The Benefits of Social Media

Social Media has made a splash in the past years, with new applications and updates becoming available in a matter of months, it seems as if social media is here to stay.

Although there are many people, myself included, who are weary of social media and all its perks, it is inevitable to say that philanthropic events and causes have benefitted tremendously from social media. The power of a share or like has the ability to generate a ripple effect, allowing content to reach thousands of people within hours. Twitter and Facebook seem to be the most popular for this trend; these sites allow users to launch their content, information, etc. into an audience filled with thousands of peers wanting to contribute.

A clear representation of the power of social media was the ALS Ice Bucket challenge that surfaced in August 2014. It was a challenge to raise awareness and money for Lou Gehrig's disease. Participants were required to donate within 24 hours of being nominated for the challenge, by social media friends, or they must pour ice water over their heads -- most participants did both. Not only did it raise over $115 million dollars since July 2015, but it generated a huge awareness for a cause that many people may have not known about. Overall, as social media has progressed over the years it is hard to see all the good that has come from it, but in retrospect social media has given the people in need a voice.