Surviving in the age of social wildfires: 6 steps for fueling fires responsibly
Everything seems to be on fire these days. There’s violence erupting in every corner of the world, hunger and disease abounding, and prejudice rhetoric filling our newsfeeds. Without a doubt, social media and an exponential increase in exposure to all forms of media has added a new dynamic to this generation’s navigation of social issues. Whereas previous generations reaped the benefits (and limitations) of inherent filters due to less connectivity, we are barraged with tragedy, drama and “newsworthy” gossip at an alarming rate. Rapid news cycles and constant media consumption leave little room to process information fully before moving on to the next crisis. Consistent exposure to issues at such a pace often diffuses the positive impact of our access to information, instead simply gripping us in a state of loss and fear.
Every day we encounter opportunities to fuel the flames on social issues from xenophobia to climate change and everything in between. Allured by the deceptive taste of influence social media offers, it feels great to take a stand and get real-time feedback in quantifiable likes. At the same time, we often forget that this media we’re binging on serves as a platform for incessant marketing, promoting a myriad of veiled agendas. Unfortunately in many cases, this translates to the propagation of fear and misinformation. People I respect are sharing uneducated prose politicizing women’s bodies. Well intentioned social justice advocates are lecturing others for not making hashtag campaigns for underrepresented issues, all the while not initiating any themselves. Some who have barely ever spoken to a Muslim are now scared of all Muslims.
Make no mistake, social media is our fuel. We run on it, making pit stops throughout the day to fill up our content tanks. Even when we think we may just be sharing an anecdotal observation with 832 of our closest friends, in reality we are often throwing gas on social wildfires. In the process, we encourage the dynamic of us versus them, leaving little space for moderate ground.
I’ve recently taken a step back to reflect on the past year and the type of leader I want to be in 2016 and beyond. Though I consider myself a fairly cautious social media user (I’m not afraid of being Googled by an employer), I now realize how often I have fueled fires unnecessarily, or commented on topics I actually do not know much about. I’ve fallen into traps of microcomplaining, oversharing and downplaying the complexity of social issues. I’ve inadvertently participated in the politicization of health issues, stripping the power from those who are tackling them in the trenches. I’ve found that social media often facilitates shallow additions to the noise, while paralyzing and distracting us from engaging in authentic action.
I strive to be a hopeful and resilient leader, focused on developing authentic relationships and a deep commitment to causes I care about. I intend to build bridges between people of various cultures and leverage my power in everyday decisions to lead by example. However, my inbox and newsfeed are heavy with tragic data, requests for funding and social justice battle cries. It’s daunting to know where to start when constantly overwhelmed with so much conflicting information. So instead of being paralyzed, or shallowly tackling every social issue I read about daily, I’ve decided to set personal guidelines to navigate these everyday decisions for impactful engagement.
Here are some tangible steps I’m testing out, to fuel the right fires with care and knowledge in this age of social wildfires:
1. Share content and opinions when you have authentic knowledge of an issue, and what you are posting can inspire others to deeper understanding and action. If you don’t actually know what you are talking about beyond referencing uncited or biased opinions, you probably aren’t adding value to the conversation. You may even be perpetuating fear or harm in the process. Emulate others who you respect. I find value in considering opposing views when they come from a place of respect and knowledge.
2. Share only about topics that you are willing to engage in past a social media post. If you don’t have the time or enthusiasm to do more than share your thoughts on Facebook, think twice before adding to the noise. Although building awareness of an issue in and of itself can sometimes be incredibly valuable, a commitment to engagement in deeper action can provide accountability for social media activities. If awareness is the goal, consider additional strategies to compliment your social media activities and build deeper relationships. Research true methods of impact and engage in actions you are certain are meaningful. Engagement in local issues is often a tangible approach to making an impact.
3. Don’t post anything that you wouldn’t say (verbatim) in real life, to a professional contact whom you respect (and possibly has different views than you). It is so easy to be more harsh or disrespectful digitally than in face to face interactions. The internet has far less real time accountability, but far more reach and delayed accountability. Read your words aloud to see how it feels to say them before posting.
4. Post to inspire action, not to yell at the opposition or point out what people aren’t doing. If “people” aren’t doing something, it likely means you aren’t either if you are just yelling about it. Instead of talking about something not happening, make it happen. Share posts that suggest specific action steps. Start the hashtag campaign, schedule a meetup with others who care, put out energy that engages people positively.
5. Guard your mind and ease temptation by not overwhelming yourself with superfluous media consumption. Set aside time for reasonable media consumption, and don’t be addicted to checking back all day, every day. Live in the physical present as much as possible, not just the digital.
6. Finally, find networks and opportunities to deepen your level of action and exposure to diversity. Spend time on activities and with people who will help you to grow your perspective and impact:
Interested in global health and social justice? Apply to be a fellow with Global Health Corps. Already have a job, but want to contribute your skill set pro bono? Sign up to volunteer at your convenience with Catchafire. As for me, I’m excited to be editing for Ova Woman, an online community tackling women’s intimate health taboos by creating a safe space for conversation and access to innovative health products. If you’d like to help us in our quest to destigmatize women’s intimate health topics without polarizing women or politicizing their bodies, consider sharing your story with us.
Tiffany Aquino was a 2012–2013 Global Health Corps fellows at Partners in Health in Rwanda. All GHC fellows, partners and supporters are united in a common belief: health is a human right. There is a role for everyone in the movement for health equity. Join the movement today.
