As of 2024, the average American spends 279 minutes—over four and a half hours—on their smartphones each day. This constant checking of texts and scrolling through social media can be distracting for adolescents, especially in school. However, there may be a positive side to Gen Z’s technological savvy. 

Digital platforms and social media can be beneficial, especially when young people leverage their power to advocate for positive political, cultural, or environmental changes. In this article, we’ll explore how youth activism has evolved and how Gen Z uses digital tools to shape social movements. 

The Rise of Youth Activism 

Young people advocating for their beliefs and rights is not a new phenomenon. Youth turnout has played a significant role in activism campaigns throughout history. Two notable examples include the Civil Rights Movement and the anti-war protests of the 1960s. 

In both instances, young Americans banded together to support the causes they believed in. Led by Martin Luther King Jr., those involved in the Civil Rights Movement successfully challenged racial segregation and discrimination. Their protests resulted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965

Similarly, during the Vietnam War, young people organized large-scale marches and created flyers and posters to spread awareness about the consequences of the conflict and the need for peace. Their non-violent anti-war protests provided support to soldiers who had been drafted and demonstrated the impact that young activists can bring in shaping change in society. 

Technology: The New Frontier of Youth Activism 

Since those days of youth activism, technology has undergone a radical transformation. Today, children and teens have instant access to a wealth of information on the internet, allowing them to receive global news updates and connect with like-minded individuals within seconds. 

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok now serve as powerful tools for amplifying young voices. For instance, climate activist Greta Thunberg utilized Instagram and Twitter to promote her Fridays for Future protests. With just a few clicks and a photo from her first strike, her post went viral, inspiring countless others to join her cause for more drastic action related to climate change. Now, with over 20 million followers, she leverages these digital platforms as a springboard for her message. 

How Gen Z Activists Harness Technology 

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em—and that’s exactly what Gen Z has done to ensure their voices are heard. Growing up with technology at their fingertips, they’ve learned to harness the tools available to them to effectively advocate for their beliefs. 

Below, we explore some of the advantages of incorporating technology into youth activism efforts: 

  • Raising awareness  
    Social media platforms and digital news outlets make it easy for youth activists to bring attention to their causes. From their chosen platforms, they can educate peers on specific issues, garner support, and raise funds. For example, Malala Yousafzai wrote a blog for BBC Urdu about her life under the Taliban in Pakistan. Her blog received significant attention and support, but it also made her the target of an assassination attempt that nearly took her life. Since then, she has continued raising awareness of the importance of education for girls through various online platforms. 
  • Networking globally   
    Instead of relying on letters or landlines to connect with like-minded individuals around the world, technology now allows youth activists to connect easily with anyone, anytime, anywhere. 
  • Amplifying voices  
    Who needs a megaphone when social media can amplify your opinions on almost anything? Emma González is a well-known advocate for gun control. After surviving the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, she co-founded the March for Our Lives movement, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to spread the word. Her speeches and posts went viral, earning her more visibility on major media outlets such as Harper’s Bazaar, CNN, and Teen Vogue. 
  • Real-time documentation 
    With live-streaming capabilities and the ability to instantly upload pictures and videos to social media and blogs, young activists can report on events and demonstrations in real-time. This enhances awareness and transparency about current issues, allowing a broader audience to engage and respond quickly. 

Discover Your Potential for Activism and Beyond at UTPB 

Today’s youth are taking stands for what they believe in, using the digital resources at their fingertips. Whether you’re among the Gen Z activists actively participating in movements and advocacy or you’re simply interested in transforming your passion for social justice into a fulfilling career, The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is designed with working professionals in mind. 

Through extensive online core courses like Sociological Theory and Social Research Methods, you’ll gain essential knowledge in the field of sociology, exploring how humans interact in group settings and the factors that influence social behavior in society. Additionally, with 18 elective hours, you can focus on courses that align closely with your passions and career aspirations. 

Browse our course catalog, contact us with any questions, and when you’re ready, apply to secure your spot for next semester! 

Sources: 
 
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1045353/mobile-device-daily-usage-time-in-the-us/ 

https://www.justice.gov/crt/section-4-voting-rights-act

https://fridaysforfuture.org/

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19899540