Slacktivism: All mouth, no trousers.

A combination of “Slacker” and “Activism” with the “Active” part removed because it is effectively doing nothing and likely accomplishes nothing more than you wagging your finger really hard into somebodies face while you bellow slogans at them.

So the question we must ask as psychologists is “Why is this so popular?” Seriously, how many people complain about their newsfeeds being clogged up with (often manufactured) pictures of crying children, or mutilated pets, or clickbait news articles, or “Awareness raising” armageddonist factoids? Yet do not hesitate to repost something that tickles their own particular agenda, (Like a preachy, arrogant blog for example? Shame on me!)

Well the answer is quite simple; Talking about doing something releases the same neurological reaction as actually doing something. Our brains our powerful thinking engines, by talking through a problem, activity, or task, we often must visualise it to such an extent that our minds will assume that we’ve contributed towards it and release that lovely sense of satisfaction we get from a job well done. It’s where the expression “Talkers vs. doers” springs up, those most likely to keep their agenda to themselves are more likely to actively accomplish their goals, whereas those who broadcast their motivations and plans are less likely.

So what does this mean for Slacktivism? Well we combine the above effect with the phenomenon known as Illusory superiority which is a remarkable psychological effect that it prevalent throughout the western world, we all believe that we are “Slightly above average” in terms of our abilities, be it ethical, intellectual, or physical, we all share the belief that compared to the population at large, we fall under the “above average” category. The most amusing thing about this phenomenon is that even when it is pointed out people go “oh yes, people are like that, but I’m not that far gone.” Almost as if you perhaps... consider yourself above the average layperson!?

Thus we have the perfect storm, somebody who considers themselves better than the average person, thus they are in a position of authority to shout loudly about something instead of actually doing anything and getting the same sense of satisfaction as if they had done something. They’ll also likely get super-defensive when confronted with their inaction, because form their point of view, their feelings are telling them they have done something, they are “raising awareness,” right?

Culturally, this is very damaging. Especially in the age of instant communication we live in, a well told lie that fits our prejudiced narrative can get around the world before the truth has even got a chance to brush its teeth and get out of bed. The most common example is people insisting vaccines cause autism, but there are much more subtle moral high-horses to saddle your slacktivism to and clog your friends Facebook feed up with. It feels so good and feels so righteous surely it is doing good too, right? Right?!

So ultimately, If you want to change the world, sadly the only way to do that is good old fashioned hard work. Preferably while keeping your gob shut and not writing about it all over a psychology blog.

Also: if you do feel the need to “raise awareness” be sure to check and re-check your facts, and if there is even a shadow of a doubt that you may be wrong, maybe consider giving it a miss, and instead go volunteer at your local homeless shelter.