It’s no secret that social media activism can spawn change.

Take gay rights. Some suggest an activist social media was a vital part of changing public opinion on the subject. 

Now a new social media activism is growing in response to the kidnapping of 276 Nigerian school girls. 

Celebrities like Anne Hathaway, adorned in African accessories, have taken to the streets of Los Angelos to raise awareness for the girls. Holding signs with #BringBackOurGirls, Hathaway and many other celebrities are helping launch a twitter movement campaigning for U.S. intervention. 

The safety of these girls is no doubt of great concern, but before you bandwagon on the latest social media movement, take a moment to stop and think: 

What are the consequences of a U.S. military intervention in Nigeria to find these abducted girls? 

Well, the U.S. has no slim history of intervention in Africa. The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has had a 217% increase in operations in Africa since its establishment. U.S. troops carry out drone strikes, night raids, proxy wars, and evacuations. 

Many worry that the U.S. will only heighten conflict in Nigeria and undermine the autonomy of the Nigerian people. 

Teju Cole, a Nigerian-American writer, stated in response to the #BringBackOurGirls tweets,

“The involvement of the U.S. government and military will only lead to more militarism, less oversight, and less democracy.”

What do you think? Is tweeting for intervention just the first step to imperialism?