The Fight for Change is Far from Over—But Where Do We Go From Here?

Activism used to be a simple, almost romantic idea: march down the street, shout from the rooftops, raise your fist, and change the world. In the age of social media and cancel culture, the lines between activism and performance have blurred, leaving many to question: What does activism even look like in the modern world? Is it all about Instagram posts and Twitter hashtags, or is there something deeper at play? The future of activism has never been more uncertain, but one thing is clear—it’s evolving, and it’s about to get a whole lot messier.

As the world burns from climate change, political corruption, and systemic injustice, we need more than just hashtags—we need to figure out what real activism looks like in a post-2016 world. So, where is activism headed? Is it dead? Is it a victim of social media oversaturation? Or is it just evolving into something bigger and scarier than we ever imagined?

From Marches to Memes: How Activism Evolved

The last decade has seen the rise of what can only be called clicktivism—the belief that retweeting a viral post, sharing a petition on Facebook, or adding a filter to your profile picture makes you an activist. But let’s be real: while social media has undeniably amplified social movements, it’s also commodified activism to the point of irrelevance. You can slap a #BlackLivesMatter sticker on your car and still drive past a homeless person without a second glance. It’s time to face it—digital activism can be performative, a form of self-congratulation more than a form of change.

But here’s where it gets tricky. For every empty “I care” post, there’s a powerful movement that’s getting its legs on Twitter or TikTok. Look at the #MeToo movement—it started as a hashtag and evolved into an international reckoning. Same goes for the global protests against police brutality—these movements may have started online, but they spilled over into the streets and shook the political landscape to its core.

  • The Power of Hashtags: In 2020, #BlackLivesMatter wasn’t just a trend—it was a wake-up call. What started as an online protest turned into a global movement. Could this be the future of activism?
  • The Rise of Digital Protest: Digital tools are not going away. Social media gives activists a platform to spread ideas and organize like never before. But does it make activism less meaningful when it’s done from the comfort of your couch?

Gen Z: The New Face of Activism (For Better or Worse)

The youth of today aren’t just sitting in their bedrooms reposting infographics—they’re organizing, demanding, and changing the world in ways we’ve never seen before. Whether it’s climate change activists like Greta Thunberg leading strikes or the wave of student-led gun control protests after Parkland, Gen Z has proven that they aren’t here to play nice. They’re demanding a seat at the table, and they’re doing it with the sharpest memes and the fiercest protests.

But with this new generation comes a challenge: Can activism stay effective if it’s driven by the fleeting nature of internet culture? After all, a tweet can be hot for a day and gone the next. Is activism built on viral moments and TikTok dances sustainable in the long run?

  • The Power of Youth: In 2019, young people were on the frontlines of the climate strikes and Black Lives Matter protests. These are the movements of a generation that won’t let us forget that the fight is far from over.
  • The Problem with Viral Activism: The short-lived nature of online trends means that many movements are quick to flame out. In a world that rewards outrage but punishes inaction, can activism survive the internet’s need for constant stimulation?

The Corporate Takeover: Is Activism Now a Brand?

Here’s the kicker: Activism is now big business. And you know what happens when capitalism touches something pure—it gets watered down. Look no further than major corporations slapping rainbow flags on their logos during Pride Month or black-and-white images of fists in the air for Black Lives Matter. Are these corporations actually fighting for change, or are they just hopping on the latest bandwagon to sell more products?

Sure, brands like Nike and Ben & Jerry’s have taken bold stances on social issues, but let’s not kid ourselves. These companies are also profiting off the struggle. When you have big business entwined with activism, it raises the question: can activism stay true to its roots, or is it now just another cog in the consumerist machine?

  • Corporations Going Woke: In 2018, Nike faced backlash for featuring Colin Kaepernick in a commercial supporting racial justice. They knew it would stir controversy, but they also knew it would bring them millions in revenue. Is this the future of activism—corporations cashing in on the fight for justice?
  • The Problem with Performative Allyship: Companies get praise for slapping a rainbow on their products during Pride month, but what happens when the rainbow comes down on July 1st? Activism is not a trend to be capitalized on—it’s a movement that requires commitment and sacrifice.

The Future: What’s Next for Activism?

So, what does the future of activism look like in a world where hashtags have a short shelf life, corporations co-opt social movements, and Gen Z has the power to organize faster than we can say “cancelled”? It’s not about one-size-fits-all activism. The future is a fragmented, messy web of digital resistance, street protests, and community organizing. But in order for activism to stay relevant, it’s going to need to evolve—and fast.

Real change won’t come from another viral hashtag or a clickbait infographic on Instagram. It’ll come from sustained, messy, uncomfortable struggle—whether that’s online or in the streets. Activism will have to shed its performative nature, find new ways to engage a jaded public, and stay vigilant against the corporate co-option of justice movements. If you think activism is just for the woke left or “radicals,” you’re missing the point: this is about everyone’s future.

  • Moving Beyond Clicktivism: We need to create activism that goes beyond the virtual. Sure, social media amplifies our message, but it can’t be our only tool. True activism must operate in the physical world, building real, lasting connections.
  • The Role of Youth in Shaping the Future: Gen Z may be leading the charge, but future movements will need to bring in people of all ages, races, and walks of life. Youth energy is powerful, but we need cross-generational solidarity to make real change.

What Do You Think? Is Activism Evolving or Dying?

The question is simple: Is activism evolving into a new, more complex beast, or is it being buried under the weight of consumerism, performative gestures, and social media exhaustion? Do we still have the energy to fight the good fight, or are we all just reposting and waiting for the next viral moment? Let’s talk about it.

Drop your thoughts below—where do you see activism going next?