Over the last decade, social media has become one of the largest stages for female empowerment across the globe, as quick access to thousands of posts within the click of a button and the swipe of your thumb makes it easy to find inspiration and influence. Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter – basically every platform – has been utilized to create change, whether it’s for social movements or body empowerment. Nevertheless, social media has also generated a backlash effect where girls attempt to live up to the perfect photoshopped pictures they see on their feeds. Similar to the functions of newspapers, radio, and television in previous decades, social media has become a catalyst for social change. Social media has given today’s youth a platform to speak out against oppressive structures and bring attention to important issues. For artists, social media has allowed them to post their art for the world to see and voice their truths for the world to hear. For example, Alice Aedy is a notable photojournalist and filmmaker who uses Instagram (@aliceaedy) to spread her work and awareness regarding feminine and environmental issues. Aedy’s
“Climate and the Cross” project highlights the intersection between climate and gender in order to demonstrate the links between climate change and, essentially, justice. Even more well-known activists such as Greta Thunberg (@gretathunberg) gained their status through the easy propagation of information and events around the world. Social media has facilitated change and awareness about female autonomy and issues regarding sexual assault and domestic abuse. The #MeToo Movement, which garnered support through a trending hashtag on Twitter, provided women an opportunity to speak out about their own traumatic experiences, a space that has historically been denied to girls. Social media empowered women across the globe to confront their past and call out abusers for their crimes. The #MeToo Movement also spurred investigations of sexual assault within big corporations or committed by well-known community members, leading to material political change. Another community social media has given a voice to is girls in STEM-specific fields. She Can STEM is an Instagram page dedicated to highlighting girls in STEM across the globe. 30