(Editor’s note: This commentary I wrote appeared in the Times-Union daily newspaper of Albany, N.Y. on April 11, 2023)
Sub-head: After a tragedy like a mass shooting, we post, share and break out the sad emoji. That’s fine — but if we want things to change we can’t stop there.
April 11, 2023
The posts, reactions and tweets start within seconds after the latest tragedy. Within hours, the posts pick up speed, galloping through the Wild West that is social media. The latest mass shootings in Nashville and Louisville are no exception.
Here are the overused and pointless “thoughts and prayers.” The urgent calls to pray. The “Our hearts go out to the families.” Other expressions, ranging from “Can you believe this happened?” to “Why are such deadly weapons legally available?” go viral. The array of sad or angry emoji is overwhelming.
Some of the most urgent expressions plead for someone, anyone, to “do something.” So we join in: Political leaders, activists, journalists — even plain old folks like me — share, like, react, post.
But is this “doing something”? Are we making a difference?
Not that long ago we might have dashed a letter off to a politician, called a government leader, marched in a protest, signed a petition, or even written a letter to the editor. But for many, posting or “liking” something on social media is where they stop.
This “slacktivism,” as it’s been called, is nothing new. A study 10 years ago found that “liking” a cause on Facebook can make a person less likely to donate to it. As study co-author Kirk Kristofferson said in a 2014 interview, “Drawing back from the ‘60s and sit-ins, that was real action. That was people putting forth a strong effort. Conversely, what social media has done is remove that effort. So, our findings would suggest that it (social media) would be making it more difficult to make a difference.”
Consider also the audience for these posts in the wake of a tragedy. Whom are we talking to? The answer, to a large extent, is ourselves, and our “followers” and “friends” — who are probably our “friends” because we already share similar interests and beliefs. Are we reaching anyone new who might change their mind and take action? For the most part, we are likely preaching to the choir.
I’m not suggesting we avoid these expressions of sorrow, anger or deep concern. Certainly, getting something off your chest helps – many in the mental health field would agree. The answer, I believe, lies in not stopping there. Explore other avenues such as speaking at local government forums and placing your opinion on record. Write a letter to a local or congressional representative or senator — and ask to receive their position back in writing (most do respond).
Another useful action is coalition building. Getting together with like-minded individuals works: An advocacy group has a more powerful voice. Just ask the Moms Demand Action group, which rose in the wake of the 2012 Sandy Hook shootings. They now have chapters in all 50 states, with over 10 million supporters. They have one of the most powerful advocacy voices in Washington and in state capitals. Their constant activism has fueled new gun regulation, such as last year’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was the most significant piece of gun reform legislation passed in decades.
Because I, too, often post a reaction or opinion, then move on without doing anything else, I’m placing a stake in the ground here: I resolve to never again make such a post or comment without taking it one step further. From now on I’ll be writing a letter or taking a similar action outside the confines of social media. Maybe I’ll even appear in a peaceful demonstration. I hope you join me.
Mark Marchand, a writer and book author, recently retired as an adjunct instructor in the journalism program at the University at Albany.
Link to where my commentary appears on the Times-Union newspaper website.