Social media has changed how news is shared and injustice is exposed. Digital activism can challenge narratives and reshape public understanding of crime and victimisation. However, the same platforms can undermine justice through misinformation. Read on to learn more about the complex role social media plays in challenging injustice.
By Grant Longstaff. Published 11 March 2026.
There was a time when our news was only delivered through newspapers, radio and television. The stories they shared were shaped by the outlet and more easily controlled by corporations and governments.
Whatever your opinion on social media, it’s a part of our everyday lives and has reshaped how we access information and view the world around us.
There have been many social movements throughout history. In the past however, it was easier to limit awareness and momentum could be slow to build. Now, social media means news and information of current and unfolding events can be shared instantly, by anyone. This means individuals can bypass traditional news outlets and stories from marginalised communities could reach global audiences in minutes.
Black Lives Matter
One example of how social media was used to tackle injustice is the Black Lives Matter movement. The movement began in 2013 when activists coined the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter on social media channels following the murder of 17 year old Trayvon Martin. The movement has continued to grow with social media playing a role in helping participants take part in protests and demonstrations highlighting patterns of systemic racism, institutional injustice and disproportionate use of force.
“Me Too”
Initially began by activist Tarana Burke in 2006, the Me Too movement became viral in 2017 following the sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein. The #MeToo hashtag was used to highlight the prevalence of sexual abuse and assault across society and aimed to empower survivors sharing their experiences. The individual stories of every survivor collectively showed the systemic scale of sexual assault and harassment in society.
Is digital activism effective?
The examples above are only two of many, but they highlight how social media can be used to challenge injustice. Social media means footage can be shared rapidly and can be used to challenge official accounts of an event.
When George Floyd was murdered by a police officer, Derek Chauvin, in 2020 social media played a role. During Floyd’s arrest, Chauvin knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes, despite Floyd repeatedly stating he couldn’t breathe. The initial statement from the Minneapolis Police Department never mentioned Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck. However, a video of the arrest was shared extensively online.
The shocking footage led to thousands of protests against systemic racism and police brutality took place across the United States. The momentum continued to grow, with protests taking place in over 60 countries around the world. What once might have taken weeks, or even months, to organise was arranged within hours.
Social media and the footage obtained by the public was a key component in the case. The video led to the Minneapolis Police Department revising their statement and dismissing the four officers involved on the day of the murder. They each received prison sentences, with Chauvin being sentenced to 22 and a half years for unintentional second degree murder, third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. The incident also led to police reform with several states banning chokeholds and other neck restraints.
Darnella Frazier, the 17 year old high school student for recording the footage of the incident was praised for her role in the event. Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America, said the video “changed the course of history in [the USA], sparking a bold movement demanding an end to systemic anti-Black racism and violence at the hands of police. Without Darnella’s presence of mind and readiness to risk her own safety and wellbeing, we may never have known the truth about George Floyd’s murder.”
The other side of the coin
There’s no denying the positive impact social media has had for tackling injustice. However, the same platforms that can amplify social justice movements can also amplify damaging misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories and extremism.
In the wake of any event information can be shared on social media before the verified facts have come to light. Whether it’s unintentional misinformation or deliberate disinformation, the effect can be harmful and have an impact on how events are perceived. The rise of AI is likely going to make it even more difficult to separate fact from fiction. Social media can be exploited and used to reinforce ideological beliefs, and the algorithms can continue to push more radical content. Discourse can grow and go unchallenged.
The effects of such can lead to moral panics, trial by media, vigilantism and mob behaviour and a distortion to the facts of a case or event. There are also the same ethical questions on the validity of the information shared on social media platforms that arise with traditional media outlets. For example, a platform could manipulate algorithms to push their chosen agenda.
None of this is new to covering current events, but the immediacy of social media means containing misinformation and disinformation is much more difficult once it begins to spread and gain traction.
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