By: Zyriel Josh Coronel  |  Copyedited by Mekylla Marie Villapaña  |  Graphics: Fre Anne Grace Tenedor

Instagram is undoubtedly one of the most used social media platforms in the world. In fact, it has been for many years already. And if there’s one good thing that it brought us, it was its ability to inform and raise awareness about social causes and issues. 

Some may have seen Instagram stories that include stickers that state, “Tap in if you’re against rape,” “Repost if you support Palestine,” “#NoToJeepneyPhaseOut,” and more. While these chainmail-like messages may advocate causes, the problem arises when these stickers are followed by “I can see who skipped” or “I can see who ignored,” forming guilt-tripping.

These stories employ guilt-inducing public perception. Immediately after seeing them, the person feels under pressure to repost, or else they could be perceived negatively. Some people could believe that by not reposting, they demonstrate their lack of support for the social cause. Furthermore, this trend deflects attention away from the problem by highlighting individuals who refuse to share instead of the problem itself. Rather than placing the load on the offenders or disseminating crucial details about the issue, those who refuse to share are put on trial in front of the public.

Another point is that specific stickers, such as those about anti-rape, may be more detrimental rather than helpful, as they may cause triggers for the survivors who might see them. Viewing these stories may cause them to relive their own trauma. 

Social media activism may be a powerful tool in modern advocacy, especially with its ability in rapid dissemination of information and mobilization of support. However, it is crucial to understand the importance of fostering healthy conversations and avoiding harmful behaviors. Let us aim to shift from guilt-tripping to constructive dialogue that encourages people to engage thoughtfully and empathetically with issues. Provide facts, statistics, and personal stories to help people understand the issue deeply and feel motivated to take action.  These methods not only amplify the message but also ensure that it resonates more deeply with a broader audience, driving meaningful change.

While solidarity is crucial, using guilt to achieve it is counterproductive. By shifting from guilt-tripping to positive and inclusive strategies, activism can become more effective in creating lasting change and garnering genuine support for important social causes.