What do you think about showing support for causes on social media sites?

Sasha Perigo: In response to the recent issue of gay marriage being taken to the Supreme Court, and whether or not people should post the “marriage equality” picture on Facebook, some people would say that it wasn’t helpful at all. But I think that showing your support on Facebook is helpful. People underestimate the effects of raising consciousness – a lot of people don’t know what’s going on, so when you place a silly picture, you’re not fighting out there on the front lines for a cause, but you are raising people’s awareness.

Riley Mahuiki: I feel that the pictures, although potentially helpful, can be annoying and somewhat in the way. It’s repetitive, and the majority of people I see on Facebook have changed it already. Yes I’m for marriage equality, but I feel that me changing my profile picture just wouldn’t help anyone.

In the past few months there have been many types of causes that were became viral online. Is this raising awareness an effective means of solving issues?

RM: It is, however, everything popping up on your screen – for example, the equality symbol—couldn’t be as effective as a video stating the facts or showing people’s real emotions.

SP: I think it’s a good first step, but I agree with Riley that the picture would be a platform with which people could learn about and get a further understanding of the facts.

What are some ways to both help and show support?

RM: Well I know there is the Day of Silence…

SP: One of the biggest arguments people have against the profile picture is that, ‘Oh that was easy, what are you really doing?’ So you could always come to the GTSA meetings if you want to get involved, or go to protests or [the Gay Pride Parade] in the city.