We've seen that social media is able to bring about social change. Why wouldn't we use social media to get the message out? We are now in a time when people communicate globally through their phone, computer and portable devices. Is there Wi-Fi? Yes, ok world here we come!
Twitter is by far one of my favorites and has become increasingly popular over the last 5 years for Actors, Singers and Entertainers alike to get the message out about causes near to their hearts. With their large fan base of thousands to millions hanging on their every tweet. It would only make sense that they use all that power to bring about social good and social change. An amazing story took place earlier this year which started in Canada no less. The article read:
"Hélène Campbell is a 20-year-old Ottawa woman that wanted to raise awareness about organ donation. Campbell suffers from “Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis” and needs a lung transplant.
She decided to take her campaign to Twitter through her @ALungStory account and hoped that Justin would help her promote the cause. She encouraged users to tweet the Biebs with the hashtag #BeAnOrganDonor.
“I would hope that Justin Bieber would do a retweet or even just tweet something himself,” she told an Ottawa newspaper.
A few days later, Justin responded by tweeting: “@alungstory I got the word….you have amazing strength. I got u. #BeAnOrganDonor”."(Dave Blezard. Justin Bieber Uses Twitter To Help An Amazing Cause. Kiss92.5, 2012)
The strength of social media is shown because following Justin Bieber's post more than 500 people went out and registered to be organ donors, what a gift! This seeming small act will save and change the lives of many, all with a few strokes into the cyber world.
Facebook has also joined in, the simple search of the work 'causes' presents a link to causes.com which uses social media to get out various messages. Over 500,000 causes are available for people to join and take part in, users are also welcome to start their own cause. You can make financial contributions or just spread the word and take part in your communities. Everyone can find something to stand behind, from keeping arts in public schools to building wells for fresh water in Africa. A site such as this is wonderful because it gives the public the chance to do something on a global level and help make a difference. They can also start in their own backyard with changes that need to be made right here at home.
So can social media bring about real change? Yes it can and yes it does everyday a little at a time.
Stephanie Nunes
