How to Use Your Favorite Social Media & Online Shopping Apps for a Good Cause

Tweeting and making Tiktoks about Lazada and Shopee to change the world? It's worth a shot!

Do you think social media really make a difference when it comes to important social issues? Why, or why not?

When I was in college, I wanted my thesis to focus on how social media could be used to further mental health advocacy in the Philippines. Though I ended up writing a slightly different thesis (still related to mental health), I was able to read some very informative materials on online activism, like “Social Media to Social Movements” by Benedict Opinion (a fellow UP Maskom alumnus), “Many Clicks but Little Sticks” by Merlyna Lim, and “Activism or Slacktivism” by Nolan Cabrera, Cheryl Matias, and Roberto Montoya. Basically, these researchers found that social media could play a role when it comes to on-ground movements and awareness, but it isn’t enough.

Now, I’m not in the academe anymore, and I wrote my thesis in 2016, so I can’t claim to be updated on the topic. But what I can say is that I’m seeing more people speaking up for what they believe in, and for the causes that matter to them - sustainability, feminism, animal welfare, LGBTQIA+ rights, and so on. Which is great, because we’ve got more people learning and sharing their knowledge with each other. And now that we’re in the middle of a pandemic, seeing these digital materials is an eye-opening experience for those who aren’t in the know. And for those who fight the same fight, it brings a wonderful feeling of community and solidarity during this very isolating time.

So what? Some people ask. The real fight is offline. In the streets. In the communities. And yes, that’s true. And admittedly, I hadn’t gotten there yet even before the pandemic - the most I can get when it comes to spreading my advocacy is my family, my relatives, my friends, the shops and restaurants I buy from.

But hear me out. Even if the effect is negligible, and all you get is a couple of eyeballs, I still think that’s better than not doing anything at all when you’ve got thumbs, a gadget, the Internet, and knowledge from CREDIBLE SOURCES.

So if you’ve found yourself wondering: how can I make a difference, even if it’s just online? Here are some of the things I’ve tried for more than a year now - with varying results, haha!

1. Do your research. I admit, I can’t spew numbers off the top of my head, but before I post, I do try to find credible sources like news articles and reports from NGOs. Be smart when you Google - check the sources and make sure it isn’t just some brand trying to dress themselves up for the sake of PR.

Does it work? Usually. Anyway, my circle knows that I’m not in STEM, so when it comes to more technical stuff, I defer to the expertise of others and I encourage those asking to join relevant groups or follow relevant people.

2. Add a call to action (CTA)! Don’t just drop facts - tell people what to do next! Look for petitions to sign, templated emails to send, groups to join, charities to donate to. If you want to have a quick reference, make a Linktree or Linkinbio so you don’t need to copy-paste a dozen links all the time. It’s great as well for the Instagram or TikTok comments section since links don’t show up there.

BTW, here’s my own Linktree: linktr.ee/rmperalta17

Does it work? Yeah, pretty much. One of the important lessons I learned from copywriting - put a clear call to action!

3. Facebook: Share credible info to your newsfeed. Join well-moderated groups related to your cause. Try making the connection between your advocacy and other groups you’re part of. I’ve done quite a number of “taking care of our shared home” posts in the Home Buddies group, and I periodically “bump” my post on responsible buying whenever an online sale comes up.

Does it work? Yes! I’ve gotten messages from friends and acquaintances saying they appreciate my posts. Some even ask me about what additional steps they can take, and I’m always happy to list some of the stuff I do at home, or refer them to the Buhay Zero Waste Facebook group. And it’s always nice to see people reacting to a post or comment, or expressing shock at the newfound knowledge.

4. Twitter: Tweet using trending hashtags; use “hot” days like the monthly 8.8 and 9.9 sales. I try to work the trending hashtags in as much as possible, but sometimes I just end up tacking them on and hoping for more reach. Occasionally, I reply to an influencer’s tweet and try to get more reach from there. Of course, I always include the CTA.

Does it work? Not really. To be honest, I’m not very active on Twitter, but I still think it could be a valuable platform if I could crack the code in terms of better reach and engagement. Any ideas? Drop them in the comments!

5. Instagram Stories: Share and tag! I share LOADS of news-related posts and infographics to my Instagram stories and tag brands, celebrities, influencers, even government officials. We’re all fans of different brands and personalities, so do try this and see who reaches out to you!

Does it work? I’m not sure! Sometimes I get a view or two. Occasionally, someone will react or reply. I also get bot replies asking for freebies for their products… LOL. But when I do get a reply, I try to share some facts and of course, a call-to-action: change the way they do packaging, sign a petition, and so on.

6. Instagram Feed: It’s all about the caption! Don’t just review the product or service itself - talk about packaging, why you chose it, what you wish they’d do differently, and so on. For example, when I post about a product I bought via Lazada, I talk about why I had to buy it via Lazada instead of some other alternative. I review the pros - is it worth it? Does it work well? Then, I talk about how I wish it came in compostable plastic instead of the “biodegradable plastic” that just becomes microplastics. Of course, it’s important to put in a lot of hashtags and tag the brand. Even better, use the brand’s own hashtags, like #NasaLazadaYan!

P.S. You can also comment on brands you’d love to support, if not for their NOT being aligned with your advocacy. With any luck, there’s a social media manager and a concerned brand owner on the other side of the screen!

Does it work? I think it does! I’ve gotten comments and messages from brands, and it was a great chance to share my concerns. I have yet to see them making actual, concrete, permanent changes, but at least they know they have one concerned customer!

7. TikTok: Honestly, I’m just a lurker on TikTok - I don’t have the skills to put together all those amazing videos by people like @darlingoftheorient or @imperfectidealist, so instead I comment on videos by Shopee and Lazada. I just try to keep it as short and jargon-free as possible, and put a CTA (for the brand or the viewers).

Does it work? I’m not entirely sure? I do get a couple of likes on my comments, though.

8. Lazada and Shopee: Ask the seller to minimize plastic, and evaluate the packaging in your review! I’m so sick of people giving 5-star product reviews based on how much cling wrap or bubble wrap was used (not even mentioning if the item WORKS), so I try to even it out by giving 2-3 stars, adding a photo, and demanding better packaging practices. And when those email surveys pop up? You bet I give those people a piece of my mind. So much money could be going to R&D for sustainable packaging!

Does it work? Since I do try to minimize my online shopping, I don’t really have a good basis yet. But I guess it’s really hard with companies like Lazada and Shopee, with so many levels, and their head offices based abroad.

By now, you’re probably asking: should I still try this? Is it worth it? Well, it’s your time, your effort, and our shared world. If you believe something is worth fighting for - be it the planet, your human rights, or some other noble cause, I think it’s still worth a shot. And it goes without saying that you should be more than just a keyboard activist - you should back all these up with concrete, real-life action and interactions.

Even if the struggle doesn’t end online, who’s to say you and I can’t start here, right?

Have online (or on-ground) ideas for your advocacy that worked well? I’d love to hear them! Share your tips in the comments below so more people can try them, too!