In the wake of the Brussels terrorist attacks, people are showing their support for Belgium on social media, including changing their Facebook profile picture to the Belgium flag.
But as International Business Times reports, a 2013 UBC study found online support, or “slacktivism,” can make people do less for a charity or cause.
“Charities incorrectly assume that connecting with people through social media always leads to more meaningful support,” said graduate student and study co-author Kirk Kristofferson. “Our research shows that if people are able to declare support for a charity publicly in social media, it can actually make them less likely to donate to the cause later on.”
