Louis C.K. Mocks Slacktivism on 'Saturday Night Live'

Internet culture took center-stage on Saturday Night Live this weekend when host Louis C.K. played a man who changes the world through slacktivism.

In “Thank You Scott,” C.K.’s character, Scott, sits on his couch, watching the news, getting visibly frustrated with the way the world is going. He can’t stand to see people suffering against injustice, so in a brave moment of resistance and strength, he … pulls out his smartphone and posts an article on Facebook. Because of his powerful act, suddenly the world has changed. Injustices have been remedied, war has ended, and Scott has become a hero!

The digital short is a classic cynical SNL take on internet slacktivism. It’s very “of the moment” this week, coming on the heels of the tone deaf Pepsi ad with Kendall Jenner that attempted to capitalize on the frequency of current protest movements.

In the video, Keenan Thompson, Cecily Strong, and Sasheer Zamata sing the tale of a man who changes everyone’s minds from the comfort of his own living room:

“Turned on the TV, what did he see? Blood being spilled, war in the Middle East. Refugees seek safety across the sea, but hundreds are drowning, yearning to be free,” they sing. “He couldn’t sit by and do nothing. He had to act before it was too late. He shared an article on Facebook, and then everything changed.”

The digital short invites the audience to see themselves in C.K. as even he seems surprised that his social media posts make any sort of difference. This sarcastic take on the perceived lazy activism that the internet has made possible rang true with SNL viewers, who took to Twitter as they recognized themselves in Scott.

“Thank you, Scott! You solved the problem,” the comedians sing. “You brought the struggle to an end by sharing that article with 84 Facebook friends.”

Watch the video of the man who ended racism and made everyone equal, and while you’re at it, you might as well tweet about it.