Does Social Media Have a spot When Tragedy Strikes?
November 17, 2015
It’s one of the debated questions in the social media realm.
When tragedy strikes on one of these worldwide stage because it did this past week, we are all compelled to share what’s in our hearts and minds. Sorrow, grief, anger, outrage, melancholy, fear, vigilance – the sentiments overwhelm and continuously so does our want to be heard. Social media has made that simple, enabling somebody with get right of entry to to a pc or mobile phone to do exactly that and broadcast what we wish to the world.
but must we?
Take as an instance the fb development you now see that places a translucent French flag over your profile picture. From French nationals dwelling out of the country it used to be a heartfelt tribute of sorrow and team spirit. but with proliferation, the duty to do the identical increases. It becomes less a logo of harmony and more a membership card. a lot of these profile homeowners have by no means stepped foot in France, however that stated, does it preclude them exhibiting their support? Does it mean you don’t empathize as so much or don’t care if you happen to don’t use it? Does it in point of fact lend a hand any person? for a lot of i think, the one individual it helps is themselves. facebook as therapist is probably not the primary choice however for some on this digital age, it’s the only possibility.
That “option to voice” is yours and yours handiest. When celebrities and politicians do it, it may possibly assist humanize them. although voicing their unfiltered feelings seems to be a chance for foot in mouth illness. For brands and companies, the correct thing to assert – or to not say – is extra advanced.
There’s a high quality line between exhibiting empathy and creating backlash from jumping on the sympathy bandwagon. How can a well which means fb or twitter post mourning the mindless loss of existence be viewed as poor, you ask? It occurs when grief ironically is perceived as a commodity.
For those immediately affected, an outreach of fortify and empathy does certainly help the healing process. just flip to your own existence while you’ve lost a loved one and remember the remedy you received from condolences. on occasion when it came from strangers it was once even more powerful.
however for companies, including their two cents despite how actual they could be, are seen in a different way. Will they be regarded poorly upon in the event that they don’t join the result in? Will they look like they are exploiting tragedy and are just making the most of the eye? in brief, can we care that they care? Can’t we just think that few individuals on this planet condone such violence and loss of existence?
In these scenarios, I all the time think of my friend the attorney who asks his client’s the same query ahead of he recordsdata a swimsuit. “What if you happen to had been to do nothing for now and just wait?” The damage and charges most effective expand as your emotions subside. except you’re including a standpoint so unique it must be heard, silence is a social media way to which most companies must adhere.
Some things merely don’t wish to be publicized and should no longer be commoditized. resist the temptation to hold forth on the virtual soapbox we’ve all been given. as an alternative, make a choice to share those opinions and feelings with these you belief and make contributions resources outside of the public eye.
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