In today’s digital age, activism often unfolds on social media platforms, where sharing a post or
hashtag can be perceived as meaningful engagement. Ella Robertson McKay, the
managing director of One Young World, challenges this notion by advocating for more tangible actions beyond the
digital sphere. She believes that the rise of slacktivism, primarily
characterized by superficial online activity, dilutes the essence of genuine activism.
Slacktivism, as defined by various experts, involves showing support for a cause through
minimal effort, such as liking or sharing a post. Robertson McKay views this
trend as one of the primary pitfalls in contemporary advocacy. “When you
share a post on Instagram, you get a dopamine hit from the likes and comments,
but in reality, you haven’t done anything significant,” she asserts. This
phenomenon leads to a disconnect between online activism and real-world outcomes.
Ella Robertson emphasizes the need for activists to expand their reach beyond
like-minded individuals. Engaging with those holding opposing views can be
instrumental in creating impactful change. “You need to be reaching out to
people who aren’t like you,” Robertson McKay advises. By fostering diverse
dialogues, activists can build more inclusive and effective movements.
Moreover, Robertson McKay calls for a careful consideration of the methods employed in activism.
Referencing incidents where environmental protesters have resorted to extreme
measures, she questions the efficacy of such tactics. “Disruption has a role,
but we must be judicious about when and how we employ it,” she notes.
Instead, she advocates for proactivism—quiet, sustained efforts that may not
garner immediate attention but yield long-term results.
Through her work with One Young World, continues to inspire young leaders to pursue authentic and inclusive
activism. By focusing on real-world actions and fostering diverse
collaborations, she believes that meaningful change is not only possible but
inevitable.
Read this article for additional information.
Find more information about Ella Robertson on https://www.magnitskyawards.com/bios/ella-robertson-mckay/