The Butterfly Effect
Activism In Social Media and Digital Design
Edward Lorenz posed the question, “Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas?” at the 139th meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science that took place almost fifty years ago (American Scientist). As it turns out, depending on who you ask there is no clear cut answer to this fascinating question. In today’s day and age, this provocative question continues to hold significance in pop culture more so than in the science world itself — a concept that surely would have flabbergasted Lorenz.
These types of questions are perfect, in my opinion, when trying to critically analyse the role that social media and digital design plays in activism. Of course there are people out there who are quick to point out that social media does more harm than good. But I would argue that many social causes have benefited from the use of hashtag activism and would ask those who see this type of social justice work as Slacktivism to take a step back and look at the numerous cases of action (visible or otherwise) that has been made from it.
Millennials and Gen Z may get teased for notoriously always being on their phones and tablets, posting pictures to Instagram and videos to TikTok. However, the stakes are high and since young people are always being called digital natives… Well, why not take advantage of one’s skills and promote and advocate for social justice movements at the same time? Movements like #Metoo, #BlackLivesMatter, #FridaysForFuture and numerous others have all seen positive effects from young people especially. Online activism also presents more opportunities that are more inclusive for people too. Covid-19 has presented unique challenges, and because of the enhanced public health guidelines, more and more people are either forced or choose to stay home. Thanks to technology and social media platforms, people still have a chance to participate in the social justice movement(s) of their choosing.
Tornadoes don’t have to be the end goal. (In fact, they should never be the end goal.) As cheesy as it may sound, all it takes is one person (or one butterfly) to make a long lasting, powerful impact on the world. Hopefully, all you butterflies choose to make positive ones :)
