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#MeToo Movement
Twitter remained the primary platform for spreading stories of sexual harassment and assault, using the hashtag #MeToo to amplify individual voices and create a collective movement. High-profile individuals and companies were publicly called out, and social media was used to organize protests, rallies, and demands for policy changes. Instagram was used to share personal stories and artistic representations of the movement, often engaging influencers to bring attention to the cause. -
The TikTok "VSCO Girl" Trend
The VSCO girl trend was a trend started on tiktok where people would dress in a specific aesthetic including oversized t-shirts, scrunchies, hydroflasks, and a carefree/beachy look. -
Covid-19 Pandemic
Misinformation about the virus and the vaccines spread widely across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Anti-vaccine groups used WhatsApp to share false information and conspiracy theories, influencing public perception and delaying vaccine uptake. Instagram was used to promote wellness trends and alternative health solutions, often spreading unverified medical advice. -
Black Lives Matter Protests
Social media helped with organize protests, sharing real-time updates, and creating viral hashtags. Through social media, you could see images and videos of police violence as well as protests across the world. -
Capitol Riot
Facebook and Twitter were used by organizers to plan and rally people for the protest, despite subsequent bans on key accounts like Donald Trump's. Parler, a less regulated social platform, became a hub for extremist groups who coordinated the storming of the Capitol building.
Social media was used by rioters to share selfies and live footage of their actions inside the Capitol, which contributed to criminal investigations.