In a world of smartphones, selfies and the quest for "Likes," many people are critical of technology's impact on society. Mashable's recent Social Good Summit was an inspiring reminder of how social media and technology can be used to make a positive difference. More than 1,000 world leaders, celebrities, media and technology experts joined together to share ideas and solutions for using new media to make the world a better place.
For example, Amir Raj Thapa shared his story of surviving the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal. Cell phones and landlines were down, but he was comforted by messages pouring in over social media, reminding him how much people around the world cared. He logged onto Facebook's "Safety Check" to let others know he was safe and to check in on friends and family.
The #SupportNepal story is just one example of how social media can be a force for positive change. Yes, we may be skeptical about selfie-loving sorority girls, but what does it mean when they turn around and use their internet fame to urge donations for Domestic Violence Awareness Month?
Perhaps one of the most high visibility examples of a successful social activism campaign is last year's ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. The viral phenomenon raised well over $100 million and increased awareness of the disease. On a much smaller scale, we've seen examples of how local governments can drive activism by engaging their communities via social campaigns.
Social media isn't just about the selfie. It can spur conversations and fundraising efforts around important topics like health issues, climate change, gun control, and equal rights. It can raise instant awareness for critical updates such as missing children, and it can act as a beacon when crisis hits. It can unite people from around the world who would otherwise not be linked. Perhaps most importantly, it's a powerful reminder that we are all connected.
And that's something all of us can rally around.
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