Nearly 45 million Instagram users, including celebrities like Bella Hadid and Nicola Coughlan, have shared an AI-generated image depicting tent camps for displaced Palestinians with the slogan “all eyes on Rafah.” This comes amidst international criticism of Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip that has been heavily bombed by Israeli troops, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians. The city was previously considered a humanitarian zone for civilians, but the recent military strikes have caused widespread destruction and loss of life.
Sarah Jackson, an associate professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, explains that internet activism has roots dating back to the ’90s, with platforms like Instagram now being popular among activists due to its visual nature. Instagram allows users to share photos and videos, making it an effective tool for sharing information and raising awareness about social issues. Many Palestinian journalists have been using Instagram to share firsthand accounts of the situation in Gaza, despite facing censorship and targeting.
Social media activists have faced challenges in sharing images from Gaza due to algorithmic guidelines that hide graphic content. While Instagram acknowledges the importance of sharing such content in certain situations, it encourages users to include warnings about graphic violence in their captions, in line with community guidelines. This raises questions about the role of social media platforms in facilitating activism and the dissemination of information during times of crisis.
The use of AI-generated images to raise awareness about the situation in Rafah highlights the power of social media in mobilizing support and solidarity for marginalized communities. By sharing visual content, users can draw attention to humanitarian crises and human rights violations, sparking conversations and calls for action. The popularity of platforms like Instagram among activists demonstrates the potential for technology to be used as a tool for social change and advocacy.
As the conflict in Rafah continues to escalate, social media remains a key platform for sharing information, organizing protests, and amplifying the voices of those affected. Instagram’s visual nature allows users to connect with audiences on a more emotional level, making it a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy. By leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, activists can continue to raise awareness about the situation in Rafah and push for international intervention to address the crisis.
