What is that economic blackout you're seeing all over Instagram?
If you've been on social media the past few days, you've likely seen a barrage of Instagram infographics urging you to keep your wallet in your pocket on Friday, Feb. 28.
The People's Union USA spearheaded the national boycott in what it calls an "economic blackout." The grassroots organization is boycotting companies rolling back their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Notably, much of the protest saw huge pushes on social media platforms, including Meta's Instagram, which recently rescinded its DEI initiatives.
These are the rules, according to The People's Union USA's website (it is not very complex):
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Do not make any purchases
Do not shop online, or in-store
No Amazon, No Walmart, No Best Buy
Nowhere!
The blackout encourages people not to spend money on fast food, gas, or any major retailers, and, generally, not to use their credit or debit cards. According to the site, you can shop for necessities, like food, medicine, or emergency supplies. "If you must spend, ONLY support small, local businesses," the site reads. And try to pay in cash where you can.
While it may initially seem impressive, the lack of specific demands and the presence of a planned end date make it challenging to assess whether the boycott was truly successful. Additionally, companies may not feel much financial pressure to participate, as their revenue is likely to rebound within 24 hours. Nonetheless, Brayden King, a professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management who studies boycotts and activism, told TODAY.com that this isn’t a "fruitless effort." He explained, "even if it doesn’t force corporate change, it helps build solidarity for future actions." However, without a clear success strategy, the boycott risks losing momentum.
"If activists want real change, they need to focus on particular targets and have clear concessions they’re asking for," he told the news outlet. "Too many targets dilute attention and make the tactic less effective."
This isn't the end of boycotts for The People's Union USA. A second 24-hour economic blackout is planned for March 28, a third for April 18, and four week-long boycotts of specific companies, including Amazon from March 7 to March 14, Nestlé from March 21 to 28, Walmart from April 7 to April 13, and General Mills from April 21 to April 27.
Topics Instagram
Christianna Silva is a senior culture reporter covering social platforms and the creator economy, with a focus on the intersection of social media, politics, and the economic systems that govern us. Since joining Mashable in 2021, they have reported extensively on meme creators, content moderation, and the nature of online creation under capitalism.
Before joining Mashable, they worked as an editor at NPR and MTV News, a reporter at Teen Vogue and VICE News, and as a stablehand at a mini-horse farm. You can follow her on Bluesky @christiannaj.bsky.social and Instagram @christianna_j.
