In the wake of tragedies such as the Las Vegas shooting in October and natural disasters such as this summer’s hurricanes, there is always an outpouring of solidarity: Facebook filters, well-meaning Twitter hashtags and the crowd favorite, “thoughts and prayers.”

This solidarity, however, is virtually useless.

While it is hard to question the empathy of those who engage in such behavior—these are compassionate people who do genuinely want to help—it is challenging not to cringe at the inadequacy of their efforts.  

One can imagine how defeated the battered residents of hurricane-ravaged locales would feel upon unboxing the thoughts and prayers of their American brethren.

These non-participatory displays of cohesion are ultimately a product of self-esteem; though one might not have contributed any assistance to the bloodied victims of violence or disaster, a well-executed hashtag satisfies the natural human intuition to help.  

What people should realize—besides the fundamental insufficiency of their petty relief placebos—is that participating in legitimate aid is actually quite easy and even rewarding.  

In the weeks following the recent shooting at a Las Vegas concert or the attack at Pulse nightclub in Orlando last June, thousands waited in line to donate blood. West Essex adopted a Florida high school following Hurricane Irma and collected thousands of dollars in clothing, household items and gift cards for students and their families.  

If tinting a profile picture or embracing telepathy makes one feel morally complete, so be it, but do not pretend that actually helps someone.  

Find the dignity to take action and the moral certitude to demand others do the same.