Leveraging Social Media to Navigate Social Work Among Youngsters

Radhipa Fiona Perera on 4 March 2024

In the world of social work, using social media is very important. As our world becomes more connected, using different online platforms can make a big impact on social work projects. Social media isn't just for connecting with people; it's a powerful tool for building communities, spreading awareness about important issues, and allowing professionals to make a positive impact. 

Let's take a closer look at how these influencers are doing a good job of using these platforms to connect with and teach young people, especially those who are 15 to 25 years old.

 Image from: MTV Uutiset

#1. Laakari.atte on Instagram

Instagram Profile: Laakari.atte

What it contains: Laakari Atte, a Finnish doctor, employs Instagram to share visually appealing and informative content centered around the fight against substance abuse and addiction. The content mix includes posts offering tips on maintaining mental health, presenting facts about addiction, and delivering motivational messages.

Audience size: 70.5K followers

How he reaches his Target Group:

1. by their visual content - Instagram's visual-centric nature is harnessed by Laakari.atte through the use of eye-catching infographics, short videos, and visually appealing images. This ensures that the content is not only informative but also engaging.

2. using Hashtags - Relevant hashtags, such as #SubstanceAbuseAwareness and #AddictionRecovery, are strategically incorporated. This practice increases the discoverability of the content, reaching a wider audience interested in these critical topics. 

3. by story features - Instagram Stories play a pivotal role in real-time engagement. Laakari.atte utilizes this feature for updates, Q&A sessions, and interactive elements, fostering direct engagement with the younger audience.

#2. The.Truth.Doctor on TikTok

Image from:  TikTok 

TikTok Handle: @the.truth.doctor

What it covers: Dr. Courtney Tracy, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, plays a crucial role in using social media to provide valuable insights into addiction, mental health, depression, and therapy. 

Audience Size: 1.7 million followers

How she reaches her Target Group:

1. Short-Form Videos -TikTok's format allows Dr. Tracy to deliver attention-grabbing content. The short videos, characterized by creative storytelling and visuals, resonate well with the younger audience, making the message more impactful.

2. Online Community - Dr. Tracy runs an online community with free memberships, aiming to support individuals on their mental health journey. While not a substitute for therapy, the community offers courses, private sessions, live Q&As, and webinars. 

3. Advice and Guidance - She offers practical advice, including guidance on approaching parents about therapy and dealing with unsupportive family or cultural backgrounds.

4. Hashtag Challenges - Launching hashtag challenges amplifies the reach of the.truth.doctor's content. By encouraging users to participate and use specific hashtags, the message gains traction and reaches a broader audience.

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How can we use social media for social work?

To address social issues such as decreasing bullying, the choice of social media platform would depend on the target audience and the type of content that would be most effective in conveying anti-bullying messages. Here are considerations for various platforms:

1. Instagram

Audience: Predominantly younger demographic.

Strengths:  Visual content is highly engaging, allowing for the creation of impactful anti-bullying graphics, videos, and stories.

Features: IG Stories and IGTV can be utilized for short, attention-grabbing content.

2. TikTok

Audience: Primarily younger users.

Strengths: Short-form videos are popular, providing an opportunity for creative and viral content. Trends and challenges can spread awareness rapidly.

Features: Duets and collaborations can encourage user participation.

3. YouTube 

Audience: Diverse age groups, including both younger and older audiences.

Strengths: Longer-form videos allow for in-depth discussions, interviews, and storytelling. Suitable for comprehensive anti-bullying campaigns.

Features: Comments and community engagement can foster conversations.

4. Twitter 

Audience: Diverse, but particularly popular among users seeking real-time information.

Strengths: Short, concise messages can be used for quick anti-bullying tips, awareness campaigns, and sharing relevant news.

Features: Hashtags and retweets can amplify the reach of messages.

5. Facebook

Audience: Broad demographic, including older users.

Strengths: Suitable for sharing longer-form content, articles, and organizing events or campaigns.

Features: Groups and pages can be used to build communities around anti-bullying initiatives.

6. Snapchat

Audience: Younger demographic.

Strengths: Stories and disappearing content can create a sense of urgency, fostering real-time engagement.

Features: Lenses and filters can be used to create engaging anti-bullying content.

In wrapping up, think about where your audience spends their time online, tailor your anti-message accordingly, and choose platforms that encourage the kind of interaction you're aiming for. Don't limit yourself to just one platform – using multiple can help you connect with a broader audience. And remember, adding interactive elements, encouraging users to share their own content, and teaming up with influencers or organizations can boost the effectiveness of your social work campaigns on social media. Together, let's make a positive impact in Social Work!