The Role of Social Media in Legal Movements: How Platforms Are Mobilising Youth for Justice

Rebekah Harrison-Smith -

In recent years, legal movements have taken to the digital streets. From protest hashtags to viral explainer videos, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have transformed how young people engage with the law. No longer confined to courtrooms or legal textbooks, legal awareness is increasingly shaped by the scroll of a timeline or the loop of a video.

Social media has become a powerful tool for mobilisation, education, and reform. But how exactly are these platforms being used to drive legal change—and what are the benefits and risks for students and young activists?

Traditionally, legal change has been driven by institutions, advocacy groups, and formal legal channels. But social media has democratised access to legal discourse. Youth are not only consuming information—they're shaping it.

From campaigns for racial justice to grassroots responses to environmental policy, young people are using their online presence to:

  • Raise awareness of legal issues,
  • Share resources and guidance,
  • Challenge systemic injustice,
  • Hold institutions accountable.

This is not just political activism; it is legal consciousness-raising in real time.

One of the clearest examples of social media’s legal impact is the #BlackLivesMatter movement. Originating in the US in response to police brutality, it rapidly became a global touchpoint for discussions on policing, discrimination, and human rights.

On platforms like Twitter, users shared real-time footage of protests, posted legal advice on rights during arrest, and called for reform in legal frameworks—from stop and search laws in the UK to judicial accountability in South Africa.

Young people weren’t just protesting—they were asking legal questions and demanding legal answers.

TikTok might seem like an unlikely place for legal awareness, but short-form videos have become an engaging tool for breaking down complex issues. Law students, solicitors, and content creators use the platform to:

  • Explain legal terms and rights,
  • Debunk myths (e.g. around stop and search or tenant rights),
  • Guide users through processes like submitting a Freedom of Information request.

What makes TikTok particularly powerful is its accessibility. Legal jargon is simplified, issues are contextualised, and content is tailored to younger audiences who might otherwise feel excluded from traditional legal discourse.

Twitter continues to serve as a space for live legal commentary, especially during high-profile cases, parliamentary debates, or judicial reforms. Legal professionals and scholars often live-tweet significant rulings or legislative developments, providing both analysis and context.

Youth movements also use Twitter threads to share step-by-step guides on engaging with the legal system—whether it’s how to write to your MP, challenge a visa refusal, or support asylum seekers.

Crucially, these threads are often created by young people for young people.

Risks and Challenges

Despite the clear benefits, there are notable risks to be aware of:

  • Misinformation: Not all legal content online is accurate. Oversimplification can lead to confusion or reliance on incorrect advice.
  • Surveillance and Censorship: In some countries, digital activism is closely monitored. Youth involved in legal movements online may face harassment or even legal repercussions.
  • Digital Divide: Access to these platforms—and the information shared—depends on internet connectivity, platform literacy, and language, which can exclude certain groups.

Students engaging in digital legal activism should be mindful of source credibility, data privacy, and local legal contexts.

What Can Students Learn (and Do)?

  1. Stay Informed: Follow reliable legal commentators, NGOs, and verified professionals on social media.
  2. Engage Critically: Before sharing legal content, check the source and consider whether the message is nuanced and accurate.
  3. Use Your Platform: Whether you’re passionate about human rights, education access, or housing law, you can use your voice to explain, inform, and inspire.
  4. Protect Yourself: Be aware of your digital footprint, especially when discussing sensitive issues. Use privacy settings wisely.

Social media has redefined the landscape of legal awareness and action. It has brought the law closer to young people—breaking down barriers, demystifying procedures, and empowering voices that might otherwise be unheard.

For students and early-career professionals, the message is clear: legal education is no longer just something you receive. It's something you can help create, shape, and share.