I spend a lot of time on my phone. This is common in my generation, much to the dismay of our parents and various older relatives who, “back in their day,” spent time outside and actually socialized with people. I understand the disconnect, and realize that it can seem as though scrolling through Twitter or snapping a picture for Instagram is futile. However, as a disabled teenager with an ardent passion for politics, social justice, and learning, my phone is my lifeline. Social media has the astounding ability to connect individuals across the world in an instant, and share information at a never-before-seen rate.

Recently, as I was scrolling through facebook (are you surprised?), I came across an image that an acquaintance of mine had shared. The image featured a man feigning shock and standing next to a sign which read:

IMAGINE THEY DELETE FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM, AND BOOM! YOU’RE NOT AN ACTIVIST ANYMORE. “

My first impulse was to explain just how wrong this sentiment was, likely shouting into a void of internet dwellers who had no interest in what I had to say. I decided that rather than waste my frustration on a Facebook comment, I’d use my inherent anger to contemplate what exactly it was about this image that made me so upset.

At first, I was confused as to what exactly the creator of the statement wanted from people. I understood quickly that the message was likely referring to people who share activist content, maybe cutesy images with a statistic about sea turtles dying or quick read articles on social justice, without doing anything further. I supposed that the creator wanted people to attend protests and marches, or maybe chain themselves to a tree. I still couldn’t fully understand why this message, undermining the effectiveness of online activism, was popular enough to be shared.

Thanks to the many years I’ve spent online and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned from activists just like me, I eventually figured it out. This message, that activism which doesn’t involve a physical presence is ‘lazy,’ is inherently ableist. The sentiment presented made me upset because the activism it is advocating for is inaccessible to me, and the message behind it is suggesting that I can never do enough.

Social activism has come a long way, and it still has a long way to go. The many intersections of social justice are not yet perfectly overlapped, and many groups of people are prevented from contributing in the ways they may wish to. Social media has created the largest, most accessible community for activists and like-minded individuals to come together, whether in an effort to teach, celebrate, protest, or advocate. Is sharing a post or creating content that educates others easier than attending a march? Maybe. Is it not just as, if not, more effective? Absolutely.

By utilizing platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, a voice is given to every individual who has something to say. Protests, marches, and parades are more often than not completely inaccessible. To wheelchair users, to those with mobility aids, to those with sensory difficulties- these events are simply not inclusive. Social media gives disabled people a method of having their voice heard by countless people, in a decidedly meaningful way, without sacrificing health, safety, or comfort.

I do not know why the creator of this image believes everything must be a competition, but I know that I do not agree. Activism of any kind is activism, and truly, the most miniscule amount of ‘effort’ is still creating change. If one person sees a post, reads an article, or engages in conversation, progress is being made. I hope to dedicate my life to creating positive change, educating others on the things I am passionate about, and offering my unique perspective to the greatest amount of people possible. I know that social media will be a substantial part of my attempts.

I love my phone, I love social media, and I love the opportunities they present to me. I cherish the fact that I can connect with others across the globe and participate in movements that mean so much to me. I will continue to spend a lot of time on my phone, because my phone is my voice, my most important tool, and my ticket to becoming the activist I aspire to be.