Social Media's Impact on Activism: From Real Change to Performance
The rise of social media has transformed activism into a performance-driven endeavor, where visibility often takes precedence over tangible change. Activism is increasingly judged by its online reach rather than its effectiveness in changing institutions or improving lives. The algorithmic nature of social media rewards emotional immediacy and confrontation over nuanced discussions and long-term institution-building. This shift has led to a focus on creating viral content rather than engaging in the unglamorous work of logistics, policy development, and community organization. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is particularly susceptible to this trend, as it is often reduced to simplistic narratives that fit the algorithm's preference for clear binaries. 
