I've come across the interaction between social media and charity, and I must say this topic is an interesting and necessary one. I believe it's not only me, but many if not all of us must have seen this interaction and how it's gaining more traction and somewhat becoming a norm today. Well, you could wonder why or how? Is it that there's so much charity today that social media has no choice but to keep placing it before our eyes?
Social media can help or mar a course. And with charity, I think it goes both ways. We see people showing off the smallest acts of charity done for some reason that one can't tell or find a good reason behind. Even some of the NGOs are not left out as some use social media to deceive or amplify their deeds beyond measure. I think that when we go back to the basics of charity as giving for a good cause, these issues can be avoided.
Nevertheless, I understand the place of social media as a tool for good in charity. It's just that it has been abused and misused for this purpose as much as for other purposes that social media is instrumental in. As one who works with a foundation and in the social media aspect or team, I reckon the powerful tool that social media is for the course of charity. When used well and properly, it will do more for charity, which I've seen it do.
The advantages and help are there. It helps gain visibility for charity works and welcomes donors and donations. I remember when a group I belonged to wanted to visit an orphanage. I designed the flyer and we posted it on our social media which helped us gain some donations. It also helps highlight the struggles of some people that others would never know. But by accessing them and sharing their struggles and stories, help comes.
All these good comes from the influence of social media on charity. It also helps to show donors that their donations were put to good use. Well, if not manipulated, which is the way some have abused social media in the guise of charity. Some use it to chase clout, engagement and all that. I used to be all happy when I saw, especially individuals, doing charity work on social media. But I've come to understand the intentions, lies and deceits of some, taking away that instant good feeling about it.
A lot of the so-called charities are not what they really seem. People want to give and have it all over the social media space. We must have seen some of these people online. And while they might receive applause, the intentions matter. You can't use people's unfortunate situations to create a facade for yourself online. I admit that there are lots of good intention charities out there, which should keep on the work, get support and utilise social media for good.
Images are AI generated.