How and Why Social Networking Can Help Raise Cancer Awareness

Angie M
Social networking is taking a new twist in this modern day and age. Although many use this type of social media to find and stay in touch with friends and/or family, these sites give users the potential to do much more. Often, we hear of the downside of this type of media in the news, such as cyber bullying and such. However, we seldom hear of accomplishments that social networking can provide through education efforts and health support online.

How Social Media and Networking Helps To Raise Cancer Awareness

While many are accustomed to the efforts of various organization to spread the word, more individuals are taking the time to get personally involved. Everyone knows someone that has been touched with cancer and want to share their experiences with others. Social networking sites offer blogs, messaging, and other tools that give each person a unique voice of their own. The fact that the health support online comes from another patient or a family going through the same thing lets these individuals connect in a way that they may not be able to otherwise.

Why Social Networking?

The internet makes it possible to literally reach around the globe. This information can be put out there from anyone, at anytime, anywhere. Because of this, social media may also prove to be more effective in raising awareness and educating others. Formalities and barriers that can often be a part of treatment and other support avenues are removed. Those that participate in health support efforts online can keep their anonymity. Removing restraints such as this allows the individual to speak candidly about their experience without feeling like they are being judged.

The Impact and Future of Social Media and Disease Awareness

CNN recently reported on a Facebook effort to raise awareness of breast cancer. According to this report, this social networking site in particular had millions of participants. A simple game created by users, not an organization or entity, was able to have this great of an impact. This is only one of the many efforts that users of this type of social media has embarked on. Due to the popularity and ease of raising such awareness, health support online and other types of awareness are expected to prevail on these types of social networking sites.

References

Revealing Facebook Posts Promote Cancer Awareness. Aarthun, Sarah. CNN. 8, January 2010. Viewed 20, January 2010.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/01/08/facebook.bra.color/index.html.

Published by Angie M

In addition to freelance writing, I am currently a nursing student. Although many of my articles focus on healthcare and related topics, I write about a variety of things. Specialties include marketing,ghost...  View profile

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