Social media has earned a bad reputation but, like almost everything in life, whether it is positive or negative depends on its use. These digital media platforms are an incredible way to deliver positive messages and give visibility to issues or people. Through them, a wide variety of inspiring content proves that humanity is not lost, no matter how much we try to see only the negative side.
Beyond all the scandals facing social media about the control of content and users, most people in the world are hooked on one or more virtual platforms to see and share information. This can lead to problems such as loss of time and privacy, as well as the rapid spread of rumors, harassment, exhibitionism and the distortion of reality associated with vanity.
But not everything is bad, social networks also allow fast access to information, they stimulate links between people, provide great entertainment, help promote creators, facilitate the expansion of knowledge and especially are an excellent source to inspire people to take positive action.
Sometimes it is necessary to make a wise selection of the accounts to follow if you want to visualize positive events and stories that manage to mobilize thousands or even millions of people to reach a common goal, whether it is an action or to generate an emotion.
The Masaka Kids Africa orphanage is one of the organizations that has recognized the value of social media to promote the work they do and to obtain support for the children they take in in Uganda. The children’s center not only provides food, education, clothing, medical care and a roof over their heads, but also uses dance and music as a way to fight fear, bring out smiles and give hope.
Their choreography is so famous that they have over a million subscribers on YouTube and Instagram and they have released an album. Without a doubt, they have created a platform that allows them to be visible in the world to receive all the help they need for the orphanage.
It is evident that the content of Masaka Kids Africana is not designed to please trends but, instead, to bring happiness to children. Hence its success, they dance with the heart and with joy, for their love of music and movement, managing to inspire all those who see their videos on different platforms.
During these moments of quarantine, many stories have also gone viral and have helped their protagonists. For example, Romina, an 11-year-old girl in Argentina, was walking through the Cordoba mountains to get an internet signal and access her virtual classes, when her story became known some internet providers offered her the service for free.
In California, USA, something similar happened. Two sisters received free internet connection and financial help through GoFundMe, after a picture of them, doing their homework outside a restaurant, went viral on social media. These cases have revealed a reality that many families are experiencing with the new forms of virtual classes, which is why some activists are fighting to eliminate the gap and provide opportunities for all.
In another case Anthony Mmesoma Madu, 11 years old, received offers of scholarships to study ballet in the most prestigious academies in the world, after a video of him dancing, in the rain and barefoot, went viral on social media. The boy is a great example of passion and that is why many people were interested in helping him and his academy in Nigeria.
Another story that revolutionized social networking at the beginning of the quarantine was that of Tom Moore, a veteran who set out to raise a thousand pounds for NHS charities. He challenged himself to complete 100 laps around his garden before his 100th birthday; very quickly he broke records and raised a staggering £33 million. In July, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth to honor the work of this World War II veteran.
Captain Tom Moore’s charity walk named highlight of 2020 by British public https://t.co/Oxzczhvg4o
— The Independent (@Independent) December 3, 2020
Tony Hudgell, a 5-year-old boy, was motivated by Sir Tom Moore’s story and decided to make his own challenge to collect and donate money. He walked 10 kilometers on his prosthetic legs to raise 500 pounds for the Evelina London Children’s Hospital; again expectations were exceeded and he managed to raise over 1 million pounds. Despite his rough start in life with cruel mistreatment by his biological parents, Tony proved that humanity can be incredibly kind.
In every corner of the world, there are people doing inspiring things and it is easier than ever for that content to reach more users. These stories are able to move society to take action, to help, to value their lives and to motivate them in initiating their own challenges. Today, there are many needs and problems in the world, but sometimes, we must look to the positive to gain momentum and generate the necessary change.
So, think, besides memes and news to find out about what’s going on in the world, what are you seeing on a daily basis to inspire you? Global Comment, for example, has a selection of the best in social media every week.
Image credit: Thomas Ulrich