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By Science News Staff

- More than 2 years ago

covers of the June 28 and July 12 issues of SNUnderstanding the slacktivists

Online causes may often garner clicks but not cash because people offer nominal shows of support to impress others without making substantial contributions of time or money. Bruce Bower discussed the psychology behind this “slacktivism” in “Token gestures” (SN: 7/12/14, p. 22).

The phenomenon of actionless activism was not news to online readers, and the story prompted comments laden with sarcasm on Facebook and Twitter.