The role of technology in the life of the millennial person continues to be remarkable. With the introduction of social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr to name a few, there are countless platforms for global interaction. From transnational marketing campaigns to community events, social media has established a benchmark by which information travels across the World Wide Web. It’s safe to say that these podiums have been subject to life-changing events over the course of the last few years. Both governments and NGOs have pushed campaigns and ideas on social media to raise awareness and counter public reactions. The way effective social media has taken generic populations by storm is truly revolutionary. Technology has given the unheard majority the opportunity to express their concerns about issues affecting health, lifestyle and the environment.
All of us have heard of or participated in viral social media campaigns that have reverberated as driving forces to create a better world. Social networks aim at positive reform at the roots of society by creating evocative responses from the public. We are more capable of cumulative change now than we were twenty years ago. Whether it’s to improve a brand’s image or raise funds for a social cause, social media has done it all. These efforts have impacted billions around the world.
The dawn of the 21st century could not be more optimistic for those who want to make a difference in the world. These are the success stories of cases where technology inspired social change. This is how social causes went viral in pop media to inspire successful impact, changing lives by creating a singularity in consciousness amidst diversity.
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge:
Lou Gehrig’s disease, called ALS, is a condition that affects nerve cells, the brain and causes drastic consequences to those affected. In August 2014, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge went viral on social media to promote awareness of ALS research, a disease with no cure. The challenges required people to film and post a video of pouring cold water on their heads and nominate others to take on the challenge within a 24-hour frame. With celebrities and notable officials taking part in the challenge, it was only a matter of time before nearly 20 million videos went viral on social media, contributing to the cause. Bill Gates and George W. Bush were among those who took the ALS ice bucket challenge to social media. The campaign response favorably raised more than $115 million for ALS research, demonstrating the compassion humanity can seek to help those severely affected. In addition to raising awareness of ALS, social media served as a footstool to aid research while creating a sense of unity.
#WaterIsLife presented the #FirstWorldProblems Campaign for clean water:
Water is Life, a non-profit organization aims to bring clean water to less developed and developing nations. Started in 2007, today it has helped bring clean water to people living in remote villages around the world. By emphasizing the different approaches people take to clean water, using the hashtag #FirstWorldProblems, Water is Life captured the hearts of millions. Social media played a vital role in bringing its momentum across the global platform, eventually raising awareness of clean water and sparking action to improve the water crisis facing the world. With the hashtag #FirstWorldProblems, when people expressed concern about minor inconveniences, it was responded with life-threatening realities faced by many people in other parts of the world. Raising millions of dollars, Water is Life is the perfect example of the prominence of technology when it comes to positive change.
Model Challenge:
At the height of 2016, the internet went wild with videos of the Mannequin challenge going viral. Posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram featured a trend of internet videos in which people appeared motionless, usually with Rae Sremmurd’s “Black Beatles” playing in the background. The challenge received worldwide acclaim as prominent athletes and celebrities participated in creating videos to accompany the popular #MannequinChallenge. More recently, as part of the feature film “Black in Blue”, such still video sequences were recorded, shedding light on the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign against racial prejudice. This powerful campaign surely remains one of the most creative viral social media challenges to date.
#LoveWins campaign:
Many people face challenges with sexual orientation and often when it comes to love. LGBT rights have been debated topics for centuries, often with unfavorable results. The Love Wins campaign that went viral on the web was a showcase of acceptance, celebrating the laws passed to recognize LGBT rights in various countries. While the ongoing protests pave the way for equal rights in some of the other countries, this campaign is a springboard emphasizing love and freedom. By embracing free thought, #LoveWins is an expression of freedom of choice. With plenty of cool filters and tweaks on social media, the campaign picked up the pace to celebrate the triumph of love over bureaucracy.
#MeToo campaign:
The words “me too” are fresh in our minds now that we have just entered 2018. As a way to break the silence against sexual harassment, the #MeToo campaign has taken social media by storm. Celebrities have joined the social cause to promote awareness and take a stand against sexual harassment and prejudice globally. With millions of people rising to the occasion and voicing their stories about the harm of gender inequality, the campaign set the media world on fire. Conveying the magnitude of sexual bias, the social cause is trending across all social networking sites. Starting as a hashtag, the campaign has grown into a rallying cry against sexual harassment that exposes perpetrators and instills newfound confidence in victims. Public figures from around the world have honored the noble intentions of this controversial campaign, expressing their concern. More recently, with Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the 75th Golden Globes, she shook the world with harsh words against sexual bias, equal pay, and recognition of a woman’s strength. The campaign has given a voice to millions and helped transform hardened ideologies into industries that turn a blind eye to sexual bias.
Social networks have once again penetrated the minds of the population, encouraging change and expressing genuine concerns. Ignorance can no longer be justified by the statement, “I was not aware.” United by common ideals of love and humanity, technology continues to inspire social change. Even if reality becomes harsher, there will be a glimmer of hope revealing powerful human efforts that will restore hope.
