Spencer Sherck

English Comp. 110

Jesse Miller

Due: 

Activism, a term rooted in the policy or action of using vigorous campaigning to effect political or social change, has undergone a huge evolution in the contemporary era marked by the digital age of technology and the shadow of social media. This transformative shift has redefined the landscape of advocacy, providing activists with many avenues to change information, mobilize support, and propel transformative movements on a global scale. In the digital age, where information travels at the speed of light, the essence of activism has gone way beyond the traditional boundaries. Social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others, serve as dynamic arenas where activists can instantaneously broadcast their messages to a vast and diverse audience. This instantaneous global reach not only fosters a sense of immediacy but also enables activists to forge connections with like-minded individuals and communities across continents, amplifying the impact of their causes. Malcolm Gladwell gives us a deeper insight to this in his essay named, “Small Change”. (explain his essay a little here). Sam Anderson in his essay, “In Defense Of Distraction” he explores the influence of modern technology, especially on the younger generation, highlighting the unique skills and adaptability of “digital natives” while also raising concerns about the potential negative effects on their cognitive and social development. He also talks about the significant topics of growing up in a world where technology is ever-present, from the way they communicate to the skills they acquire, and the potential shifts in their cognitive processes and attention spans. 

“Which brings me, finally, to the next generation of attenders, the so-called “net-gen” or “digital natives,” kids who’ve grown up with the Internet and other time-slicing technologies. There’s been lots of hand-wringing about all the skills they might lack, mainly the ability to concentrate on a complex task from beginning to end, but surely they can already do things their elders can’t like conduct 34 conversations simultaneously across six different media, or pay attention to switching between attentional targets in a way that’s been considered impossible. More than any other organ, the brain is designed to change based on experience, a feature called neuroplasticity.” Here i can talk about how this leaves lots of room for activism because nobody has really acted on it.