Find Out How Folks Are Using Facebook to Help the #StandingRock #NoDAPL Protests

Though the protests have been peaceful (including prayer circles and traditional dancing), there is plenty of criticism over the brute force used in the police response. Accusations of seemingly unnecessary violence have been used against the unarmed protesters, prompting many to object to the authorities’ actions during the ongoing sitch.

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as some of you know, I've been quite lucky to have Lakota friends in South Dakota who, in my wanderings around the country, have taken me into their homes and welcomed me into their celebrations and ceremonies over the past few years. now my friends could use some support. in less than two weeks I'm doing a supply run to #StandingRock, bringing winter gear and spending time camping, praying and protesting with them. if you're so moved to support this movement and donate to this run, a link is in my profile and all funds will go directly to supplies for the camps. thanks for reading - I'm grateful for any support. #nodapl

A post shared by heidi hackemer (@uberblond) on Oct 31, 2016 at 9:41am PDT

The now-thousands of people involved in the protests believe that the local Morton County Sheriff’s Department are monitoring Facebook check-ins to estimate the number of protesters and pin-point who might exactly be there, and those who support the movement have found a way to throw off the police.

Check in at #StandingRock on Facebook | #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/TWg6pOQVNb

— agitator in chief (@soit_goes) October 31, 2016

With no exact clues as to where the idea first came from, those who are far from North Dakota but who want to help out are being asked to check in on Facebook and incorrectly identify their location as, yep, Standing Rock. This way, anyone trying to use Facebook to see what’s up with the protests is getting skewed info.

Though some are saying the Facebook endeavor is merely a hoax, it looks like others are jumping on board.

Sometimes effective activism can be as simple as “checking in” on Facebook. Stand in solidarity with those at #StandingRock. #NoDAPL pic.twitter.com/GZ8f9r9uwU

— Senthorun Raj (@senthorun) October 31, 2016

Check in on Facebook! #NoDAPL #StandingRock pic.twitter.com/8O9GWS1T4W

— Stephani 🎃 (@synaestatic) October 31, 2016

If we're not Facebook friends: please take a moment to check-in at Standing Rock as it ostensibly confuses police surveillance #NoDAPL

— Ludmila Leiva (@ludileiva) October 31, 2016

I do like that on Facebook there's 11k people at Standing Rock. Even if we can't be there, we're with you. #NoDAPL

— Katie West (@katiewest) October 31, 2016

If you're able, check in to Standing Rock on Facebook; authorities are using check ins to target protectors. Let's keep them busy. #NoDAPL https://t.co/yAmuDZsMUv

— Katie Klabusich (@Katie_Speak) October 31, 2016

My whole Facebook timeline is Standing Rock check ins, lol #NoDAPL

— Tovarisch (@nwbtcw) October 31, 2016

It's so awesome seeing so many standing rock check ins on Facebook #NoDAPL

— ⚖ (@creaslean) October 31, 2016

when your whole facebook timeline is checking into standing rock and there's nothing else on ur feed :') #noDAPL

— e-cig (@erikacivx) October 31, 2016

This is definitely an interesting example of how new technology and online-connected communities are changing the face of protests and action.

What do you think the best ways to protest are with today’s tech? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(h/t Vice)