The term often carries a variety of connotations. For some, it conjures images of individuals blocking motorways or leading boycotts against certain companies. Others might associate activism with organised strikes that disrupt daily routines. While physically disruptive, these actions bring awareness to issues that often go unnoticed in our day-to-day lives, prompting us to rethink our decisions and habits, whether altering our commute or making us reconsider where we purchase our morning coffee.

Yet, the activism landscape is evolving as our world becomes increasingly digital. The traditional methods of protest, such as roadblocks or physical strikes, are less effective in a realm where Zoom meetings replace in-person gatherings and online transactions replace trips to local shops. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of what activism means in a digital age.

Enter online activism, a form of advocacy that leverages the power of the internet and digital media to mobilise communities and effect political change. While online activism traces its roots back to the 1980s, its prevalence has surged in tandem with the expansion of the internet.

However, the rise of online activism has also brought new challenges, such as the proliferation of cyberbullying. This toxic phenomenon perpetuates a cycle of harm, prompting online activists to combat hate speech and harassment. One initiative addressing this issue is Hate Trackers Beyond Borders (HTBB). This EU-funded project empowers activists and semiological guerrilla units (SGUs) to counter hate speech online and offline. By equipping young people with the tools to confront online hate and engage as active citizens, HTBB fosters a community-driven approach to tackling societal issues.

Through initiatives such as HTBB, young activists have the opportunity to make significant contributions to their communities. By addressing issues that hit close to home, SGU members can enhance their impact through in-person school presentations or online advocacy campaigns. Though these efforts may appear small on their own, their combined influence can extend far beyond local boundaries. For example, members of my SGU participated in a workshop at a youth shelter for unaccompanied minors, where they discussed rights related to hate speech and strategies for combatting its perpetuation.

Crucially, effective activism requires collaboration and inclusivity. No two individuals possess the same networks or perspectives, underscoring the importance of leveraging diverse voices to amplify advocacy efforts. By harnessing the power of collective action, activists can maximise their reach and effect meaningful change on a global scale.

In essence, being an activist means adapting to the changing landscape of advocacy, embracing online platforms to amplify one’s message and effect systemic change. Initiatives like HTBB offer a framework for young activists to redefine activism in the digital age, fostering a community-driven approach to combating hate speech and building a more equitable society.

Learn more about Hate Trackers Beyond Boarders here: https://www.hate-trackers.com/the-project/.