In this digital age, the timeless quest for human rights has found a new stage: social media. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become the modern-day town criers, where hashtags transform into rallying cries and viral posts spark global movements. This paper explores the vibrant intersection of social media and human rights advocacy, showing how ordinary people wield extraordinary power in the fight for justice. From the #MeToo movement’s profound impact on gender equality to the climate crusade led by #FridaysForFuture, we delve into the stories that have reshaped our world, one post at a time.
Yet, this digital revolution is not without its shadows. We navigate the murky waters of misinformation, digital surveillance, and the debate over ‘slacktivism’—the idea that online activism may lack real-world impact. Balancing these challenges with the undeniable power of social media, this paper offers a nuanced perspective on the future of human rights in the digital era. As Shakespeare might muse, “the entire world’s a stage,” and today, social media is the spotlight. Or as Rumi would whisper, “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” Join us as we unravel the threads of online activism, celebrating its triumphs and scrutinising its trials, all while envisioning a more just and connected world.