Facebook and other social media platforms can equal major trouble for teens. From uploading inappropriate photos that can result in life-long repercussions to making one’s dad mad by ranting about him (resulting in a shot up laptop), it can be a little dangerous. At the same time, social media can do good.
According to a new World Vision 30 Hour Famine study, conducted online in January by Harris Interactive, 55 percent of teens say social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have made them more aware of the needs of others.
In 2011, 44 percent said their use of social media made them more aware, so the number is on the rise. The study also says that 68 percent of teens agree that the benefits of social media outweigh the risks.
According to the study, 91 percent of teens agree that it’s important to volunteer locally. And at the end of this month, 200,000 teens will go hungry as part of World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine to raise funds and hunger awareness. Since 1992, 30 Hour Famine has raised more than $150 million to fight world hunger. This is the fourth year World Vision has surveyed American youth to get a better idea of what they’re thinking. 30 Hour Famine has close to 30,000 Facebook friends.
“The jump in the number of teens who say social media sites make them more socially aware is a sign of the times,” says Regina Corson, Senior Vice President, Harris Poll, Public Relations and Youth Research at Harris Interactive.
While many teens will participate in 30 Hour Famine in late February, others will participate April 27 – 28. Teens forsake food for 30 hours to get a taste of what the world’s poorest children face. Prior to the event, teens raise funds by explaining that $1 can help feed and care for a child a day. Teens consume only water and juice as they participate in local community service projects (food banks, soup kitchens and homeless shelters). Last year’s 30 Hour Famine raised $9.5 million to fight hunger. This year’s goal is $10 million.
I think that’s a great cause for teens to both have an awareness of and to support. During our travels for our international adoptions, I saw what mass hunger looks like firsthand. It’s something I have a very hard time talking about to this day. It’s good for teens to at least have some grasp on that.
Additionally, I like to hear about teens using social media for good. I love social media and I believe it’s a part of almost everyone’s lives. For every drawback, there are at least a few positives. This is a pretty big one!
