slacktivism

Or slac·tiv·ism

[slak-tuh-viz-uhm]

noun

Sometimes Disparaging.

1. actions taken to endorse and promote political or social causes and movements, but involving only minimal commitment, effort, or risk.

   The students engage in slacktivism by joining civic groups but rarely participate in group projects.

slacktivism

/ ˈslæktɪˌvɪzəm /

noun

1. the public proclaiming of one's political beliefs through activities that require little effort or commitment

Other Word Forms

• slacktivist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of slacktivism¹

First recorded in 1995–2000; slack(er) + (ac)tivism

Word History and Origins

Origin of slacktivism¹

C21: a blend of _slacker and _activism

Example Sentences

Soft Slacktivism: While people love to be confrontational online to make themselves feel like they’re doing good, these works don’t need the drama, content to pat themselves on the back for both their “advocacy” and their restraint.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This is commonly known as "clicktivism", "slacktivism" or "digital activism".

Read more on BBC

“Any family that buys this box has moved past slacktivism.”

Read more on New York Times

It turns out that hashtag activism — "slacktivism," if you prefer — is effective.

Read more on Washington Post

Other hashtags derided as slacktivism have had similarly lasting impact.

Read more on Washington Post