Slacktivism: Its Effectiveness and Potential to Save the Chandra X-ray Telescope From Being Defunded

Abstract

This paper evaluates the potential of slacktivism as a tool to save NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory from significant budget cuts. With NASA facing nearly $1 billion reduction in its budget, the Chandra telescope is at risk of becoming defunct by 2029. The evaluation begins with a literature review that examines the criticisms and support for slacktivism, and analyzes previous cases where minimal-effort actions on social media have either helped or harmed a movement's progress. This is followed by an assessment of the current state of activism regarding Chandra, and proposes which previous successful slacktivism strategies should be applied to best influence Congress to prevent the telescope's decommissioning. This paper concludes that while slacktivism has its limitations, it works well alongside other traditional forms of activism; for Chandra specifically, the ultimate goal would be wider and sustained engagement to pressure Congress. This could be done through creating and sharing promotional videos, encouraging the general public to sign e-petitions, and increasing media coverage of the issue alongside other forms of activism.