The Call to End Slacktivism: Insights from Ella Robertson of One Young World

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, where online activism often overshadows tangible
efforts, Ella Robertson, the Managing Director of One
Young World, is urging a shift towards more substantial action. Robertson’s critique of modern
advocacy highlights the pitfalls of “slacktivism,” a term used to
describe low-effort online support for social causes that rarely translates into real-world impact. 

According to Ella Robertson, the over-reliance on social media platforms to drive activism has
created a superficial engagement with critical issues. “When you share a
post on Instagram or Twitter, you might feel accomplished, but the reality is
you’ve done little to effect change,” she explains. This phenomenon,
Robertson argues, is contributing to a disconnection between the visibility of
activism and its actual outcomes. 

One Young World, a global forum for young leaders, echoes Robertson’s sentiments. The organization
emphasizes the importance of engaging with diverse viewpoints to foster genuine
progress. “Activists need to reach out to those who aren’t like them,”
Ella Robertson states. “Building an inclusive movement that
embraces every race, gender, and nationality is crucial for sustainable change.” 

However, Ella Robertson also warns against the dangers of disruptive tactics that can
alienate potential allies. She cites recent incidents where environmental
protesters engaged in controversial acts to gain attention, arguing that such
strategies often backfire. “Protests that risk damaging cultural treasures
do little to persuade the undecided; they tend to irritate rather than
inspire,” she remarks. 

Instead, Ella Robertson advocates for a balanced approach that combines
strategic disruption with grassroots efforts. One Young World promotes
initiatives that encourage young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue and
community-building activities. “Real progress happens when we move beyond
online clicks and likes and invest in the hard, often unglamorous, work of
building bridges and finding common ground,” Robertson concludes. 

In an age where digital activism is prevalent, Ella Robertson and One Young World offer a
compelling call to action: it’s time to go beyond the screen and make a
tangible difference. Refer to this article to learn more. 

Find more information about Ella Robertson on https://www.magnitskyawards.com/bios/ella-robertson-mckay/