Why are people posting black squares on Instagram?

For Blackout Tuesday, people are posting black squares on Instagram and other social media platforms in the wake of the death of George Floyd and protests over Black Lives Matter. A movement started by two black women in the music industry as a day to reflect has evolved into social media users filling feeds with blacked-out images.

Why are Instagram feeds turning black today?

Here’s why this is happening. The Blackout Tuesday movement is causing Instagram feeds to turn black. So far today, over 28 million Instagram users have posted a plain black square along with the hashtag #blackouttuesday, before pausing their usual social media feeds for the day.

Did everyone post a black box on Instagram on Tuesday?

For many Instagram users scrolling through their feed on Tuesday, it seemed as if nearly everyone decided to post the same picture: a plain black box. While many of these blackout boxes were posted without a caption, others used the hashtag, “ Black Lives Matter .”

What’s the problem with the black tags on social media posts?

Here’s the problem. While these posts may be well-intended, several activists and influencers have pointed out that posting a blank black image with a bunch of tags clogs up critical channels of information and updates. Protests are still raging around the country. Arrests are piling up by the thousands.

Are the black squares stifling important messages from activists?

In addition to the futility of silence, the black squares have also been actively stifling important messages from campaigners.

Should you post a black square on your LinkedIn profile?

It’s all too easy to post a black square on your profile to present the impression that you are engaged in the current conversation – without doing any of the work to educate yourself about the wider context, or find a way to actively help.

Why did Emma Watson post three black squares on her Instagram?

Actress Emma Watson – who is an active and vocal advocate for the #MeToo movement – has been criticised for posting three black squares, with some saying she posted three so it wouldn’t mess up the aesthetic of her Instagram grid. (She has since released a full statement in response to widespread backlash.)