In the age of digital advocacy, Ella Robertson, managing director of One
Young World, raises a crucial discussion about the pitfalls of slacktivism. Defined as the
practice of displaying support for a cause through minimal online actions,
slacktivism often creates a deceptive sense of accomplishment without genuine impact.
Robertson, who helms the global forum One Young World, argues that while social media can
amplify messages, it frequently fails to translate into substantial change.
“When you share a post, it might feel like you’ve contributed, but all
you’ve done is add pixels to the digital space,” she explains.
According to Robertson, real activism entails more than just aligning with like-minded
individuals. It requires engaging with those who hold opposing views. “To
foster true change, we need to reach out to people who aren’t like us,”
she asserts. This approach demands a diverse and inclusive movement, reflecting
every race, gender, nationality, disability, and religion.
Ella Robertson critiques certain disruptive tactics used by activists, suggesting that they can
alienate potential allies. Referencing an incident where environmental
protesters threw soup at the Mona Lisa’s glass case, she comments,
“Actions like these don’t convince those on the fence about climate
change. Instead, they often provoke annoyance rather than support.”
One Young World, under Robertson’s leadership, emphasizes proactive
and judicious activism. The organization advocates for strategic disruption
balanced with consistent, quieter efforts that lead to real progress.
“Movements must be discerning about when to seek the limelight and when to
engage in the less glamorous work where change truly happens,” Robertson advises.
In an era dominated by digital interactions, Ella Robertson’s insights call for a re-evaluation of
how we approach activism. With One Young World as her platform, she champions a
balanced strategy that combines visibility with effective, on-the-ground efforts.
Refer to this article, for related information.
More about Robertson on https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ella-Robertson/e/B07ST265WY/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_2