The Stream

ALS #IceBucketChallenge drenches social media

The viral campaign has raised millions for the rare disease, but critics say the challenge is just another form of slacktivism.

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has become a worldwide Internet trend with people filming themselves getting drenched in ice water while challenging others to donate money or do the same. It’s a fundraising campaign that’s been credited with raising close to $88 million to combat ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease that currently has no cure. But not everyone is feeling the hype. Critics say it’s another example of slacktivism, where people take part in a trend without understanding or doing much for the cause. We discuss at 1930GMT.

In this episode of The Stream, we speak with: 

Julie Dixon @jdldixon
Deputy Director, Center for Social Impact Communication
csic.georgetown.edu

William MacAskill @willmacaskill
Moral philosopher
givingwhatwecan.org

Jacqueline Herrera @JacquelineLALA
Co-founder, Kite Child
kitechild.org

Gerard Hayden @ghayden64
ALS patient 
northforktableandinn.com

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