Slacktivism

Slacktivism, a blend of "slacker" and "activism," refers to online political or social activity that requires little effort and often yields limited tangible results. It includes actions such as liking, sharing, commenting, signing online petitions, or joining online campaigns that rely on social networks rather than local organizing. The term gained prominence in the 2000s as critics contrasted easy online actions with more demanding forms of civic engagement.

Critics argue slacktivism can create the illusion of participation without meaningful impact, since digital actions may not influence policy or resource allocation. Online campaigns can suffer from performative amplification and may divert energy from offline organizing. Proponents note that even simple online actions can raise awareness, build communities, and spark further involvement, potentially serving as a gateway to more extensive activism.

In practice, slacktivism varies in outcome. Some campaigns remain largely online; others translate into real-world actions, donations, or volunteering. The phenomenon is shaped by platform algorithms, social norms, and campaign design, which can either encourage sustained engagement or shallow participation.

Related terms include clicktivism and hashtag activism. The concept sits within digital activism, which spans online and offline strategies. Evaluations of slacktivism depend on context and outcomes, and many initiatives aim to integrate online awareness with actionable offline work.