As we all know, young adults nowadays are absorbed in social media. Although it has a seemingly selfish reputation, this internet escape is not all bad. A growing number of interactive websites are emerging centered around youth activism. Over the years, youth activists have founded nonprofits, raised money for causes and fought for equal rights. In our current technological age, these Social Good websites are attracting even more young people to help the world, one interaction at a time.
Below is a showcase of five featured social good websites from the social media website Mashable.
TakingITGlobal is an online social network aimed at young people. It links youth around the world to help solve global issues. When you become a member, you have access to a community forum where people can write ideas and further act on the idea by “enacting a solution.” An example of an idea that took action is the DeforestACTION campaign, which aims to stop the destruction of the rainforests. The project is able to attract users, sign pledges and donate money for the cause.
RandomKid emphasizes the three-step approach to solving issues; selecting a world issue, choosing a solution, and making it happen. Youth can create their own cause, or donate to other causes under the “RandomKid Umbrella” feed.
KooDooz is a challenge-based social media site that is customized based on age and “youth who want to make a difference.” Any age is welcome to join, but kids under 18 need a parent/guardian signature to do so.
DoSomething.Org is a teenager-friendly site with simple search questions aimed at four things: What Cause? Who With? Where? and How Long? Young people can participate in charity work for as long as one minute to one year, and college grants are awarded for stellar participants.
FreeRice is an interactive website that gives users trivia questions, and in return, website sponsors will donate rice to needy communities. This website has dedicated followers, with many schools using it as a teaching tool. It was established by a father helping his teenaged son study for the SATs.
Do you think these interactive websites could change the way today’s youth use social media?
