slacktivisme

Slacktivisme, also spelled slacktivism in English or slacktivisme in some languages, is a critique describing online actions that require minimal effort yet are framed as political or social activism. The term, a portmanteau of slack and activism, emerged with the growth of social media in the early 21st century, though precise origins are disputed. It highlights a perceived gap between digital gestures—such as liking, sharing, or signing petitions—and sustained, real-world impact.

Common forms include clicking like, retweeting, sharing informational posts, joining online campaigns, or participating in virtual demonstrations. While these actions can raise awareness and extend the reach of a message, critics say they often substitute for more demanding forms of engagement, such as volunteering, organizing, or influencing policy.

Academic and media discussions recognize a nuanced view: online actions can lower barriers to participation, mobilize dispersed audiences, and serve as entry points to broader activism, but they may also be accompanied by a false sense of efficacy. The effectiveness of slacktivism depends on factors such as issue salience, network structures, and whether online engagement translates into offline organizing.

Related concepts include hashtag activism and clicktivism, which refer to similar online forms of protest or support. The term remains controversial: some see slacktivisme as a precursor to higher levels of participation, others as a symptom of superficial engagement in the digital age.