Slacktivism

[Hexen]

So what is everyone's view of Slacktivism (such as signing petitions, sending pre-written emails to senators, etc) does it help any cause at all or is there fundamental flaws with it?

As for me, I used to sign petitions/emails/etc in the past but as of recently, I don't anymore because not only it doesn't help but it's more of a 'feel good' thing which parallels to charity as if.

Any thoughts on the matter?

[Sinister Intents]

I think it can have an affect, but I don't think it's enough to create change or push for reforms. Besides the capitalists will attempt to do whatever they want any way since they have a stranglehold on society. I think it really depends on the cause that this is going for.

[motion denied]

Things people do to feel better about themselves.

[Sinister Intents]

Things people do to feel better about themselves.

Made me immediately think of my ex and her staunch support and love for PeTA. She spent a ton of her money and a lot of my money to support all of these shitty liberal causes.

[Dagoth Ur]

Liberals: Feel good by being Consumers! Yay!

[Ethics Gradient, Traitor For All Ages]

Petitions are probably the closest to being somewhat useful, if performed in person, as you're at least given an opportunity to actually interact and discuss a topic with someone. As for everything else, if it's happening solely on the internet, its the same as if it didn't happen at all.

[Quail]

I think it really depends on what a petition is for as to whether or not I'll sign it. I think petitions in support of asylum seekers can make a real difference, but most petitions, especially ones circulating online, just seem a bit pointless. If a government can ignore hundreds of thousands of protesters, it can ignore hundreds of thousands of signatures.

[Kropotkinite]

When it comes to online petitions, I think they're a reasonable example of the "You don't lose anything/It only takes a moment/etc." attitude working somewhat positively. While they are a fundamentally reformist idea, they do at least raise awareness of issues and cases of discrimination if nothing else, and in some cases do actually affect policy - for whatever long term good that does or doesn't.

While it's tempting to classify pre-written emails similarly, in my own experience you just get another automated or pre-written email from the senator/MP in question - or one of their aides - usually amounting to a typical politician's response (a combination of moderate sympathy/an explanation of why they can't do anything/subtle apologist rhetoric).

I think we can all agree that slacktivism is no replacement for actual activism, but despite often just acting as a vehicle for liberals/reformists/busy radicals who wish they had time to do more, it can only make a positive difference to struggles. Apart from in a case of someone going "Fuck it, it's raining. My Antifa group won't mind if I stay in tonight and sign some e-petitions instead of going out and fighting the status quo." But that's an extreme example.

[xnecron101x]

It's a bit like prayer really. Whenever a natural disaster wipes out some third world country (or even part of your own) people will gather together and pray so that they don't actually have to get off their ass and do anything. Prayer makes them feel like they're helping so they can still go home and sleep at night believing they've done something.

It's purely a matter of personal feeling really.

[Hexen]

It's a bit like prayer really. Whenever a natural disaster wipes out some third world country (or even part of your own) people will gather together and pray so that they don't actually have to get off their ass and do anything. Prayer makes them feel like they're helping so they can still go home and sleep at night believing they've done something.

It's purely a matter of personal feeling really.

Hmmm...I knew it.

I mean, the deeply predominated christian nature of this becomes more obvious...

The one of more reason not to take on any form of slacktvism anymore.