Double Edge

Instagram has become a hub for digital activism, but the quick shift between serious posts and casual content raises questions about the authenticity of awareness and the balance between advocacy and personal life.

By – Anukriti Mahajan

Instagram is often celebrated as a platform that gives everyone a voice, turning casual users into activists with a single post. From global warming to mental health awareness, serious topics are shared across stories and feeds. But let’s be real — right after someone posts a heartfelt plea for a social cause, their next story could be a party selfie with the caption, “#living my best life.”

Pintrest image

This weird shift between activism and everyday life can feel confusing. It makes people wonder how genuine the activism is.“There is so much to think about before posting. People with zero knowledge are reposting things without understanding. One of my colleagues recently shared a post about the Ukraine and Palestine conflict, and her next story was about Charlie Puth getting married. I mean, what should my reaction be? I was confused — how can someone be this irresponsible or disrespectful to such a big issue?” says Diya Jain, a 20-year-old psychology student at Amity University, Jaipur.

It makes people wonder how genuine the activism is.“I always feel guilty when I post about important issues, and then the next day I’m at a concert,” says Diya.

Maybe the challenge for digital activism isn’t just about what we share, but how we balance real awareness with the noise of our personal lives. After all, activism isn’t a trend — it’s a commitment.

Social media can be powerful, but there’s always that nagging feeling: how much of it is real? It’s great that people are using their platforms to talk about important issues, but balancing between raising awareness and living your life can be tricky. So, is it really activism or just another post to fit in with the trend?