We can spend ages talking, explaining, and expounding on how social media is meant for more #thngs than mere selfies. But while we are lovers of words, we humbly accept that sometimes actions speak much, much louder. In that spirit, we give you examples of how social media platforms and Instagram influencers are using social media for good.
4 Examples Of Using Social Media For Good
1. When it helped women stand against a world of abuse:
2. When it got people talking about a rare disease, ALS:
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3. When a much-loved Indian politician handled it like a weapon to help those in need:
4. When ordinary citizens banded together to form an army to feed the poor:
How To Use Your Social Media For Good?
All it takes to wield the power of social networks is you. Would you have ever thought that a politician, an Indian one to the boot, would use Twitter as her bat signal to save people? But Sushma Swaraj did it and how. One tweet at a time, she helped individuals in dire need.
It is not only those with influence who can use social media to do good. Look at RHA. A group of everyday Joes and Janes formed the Robin Hood Army to feed those in straitened circumstances, entirely through Facebook and WhatsApp. Using the social networks, they source meals from restaurants and donate them to the underprivileged.
Thinking how can you use social media to do good? Here’s a list to get you started.
1. Spread The Word, Instead Of Inventing It
You don’t have to create a great cause to make the digital world positive. All it takes is talking about a problem you champion to your friends, family, and followers.
2. Compliment Someone
Give a shout-out to anyone you see doing good. Encourage them to carry on or simply praise a follower. You might just make their day.
3. Raise Awareness
Educate yourself on issues that are important and then inform others about it. A simple post with facts and figures speaks more loudly than anything else.
4. Give People A Laugh
Sometimes sharing something funny does more good than relentlessly posting about a social cause.
5. Inspire People Through Stories
Follow accounts that share inspiring stories. A true tale of overcoming adversity encourages others to do better.
6. Don’t Be Rude
Goodness is not always about taking action. Sometimes being quiet is more effective. Don’t be rude or offensive on social media. If you can’t comment positively, then try to keep mum.
7. Unfriend, Block And Report
If you see an account spewing hate or abusing the precious power of social media. First, ask them to stop, politely. If that doesn’t work, unfriend, block, or report them. You’ll be making the space safer for others.
8. Think And Then Think Again
Before you post it, tweet it, send it or share it, think. Is the image, video, gif, story, etc. even the slightest bit offensive? Is it going to hurt someone? Does it come from a place of privilege? If yes, it is better not to post.
Social Media Is A Tool, Wield It Wisely
When you spend so much time in the online world, it is easy to forget the good it can do. That is one part, DYT would heartily like to transform. We want to show the world that social media is the most powerful tool for change in our arsenal.
Remember, a tool is just that, a means to an end. It is unbiased, impartial, and fair. How you wield it makes the outcome positive or negative.
