Everyday Reactivism, or, Never Look Away

This chapter explores the twinned injunctions of online feminism: to “never look away” from the pain in one’s online feed; and to always “react” swiftly and authentically to that content. This continual individual, everyday activism, or “reactivism,” required young feminists to be always ready: vigilant in relation to possible wrongs such as racism, transphobia, and general microaggressions, and to remain alert and aware of particular events, whether in (some) international locations or geographically close to home. The pervasive presence of populist extremism and its continual threat of spilling out online did not create extra space for feminist everyday politics; on the contrary, it created higher stakes and tighter obligations to have the “right” reaction.