Social Media Reaching Out, Connecting, and Communicating in Virtual Communities.

Social Media

Reaching Out, Connecting, and

Communicating in Virtual Communities

What is Social Media?

Simple definition: Social media is a tool for interacting and exchanging ideas via virtual communities.

Many different types of social media sites:

Networking: Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn

Microblogging: Tumblr, LiveJournal

Content sharing: Pinterest, Instagram

Social Media is Prevalent

According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of adults use social networking sites as of May 2013. Facebook is most popular.

Estimated 9 out of 10 young adults actively use social media sites.

Social Media & Mental Health

What are the advantages of integrating social media into agency practice?

Outreach to the potential clients, their families and allies, and the mental health community as a whole.

Sharing info about the agency.

Creating and fostering awareness for vital mental health issues.

Example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7a9XQZaQDg

EASA Social Media Campaign

In order to maximize potential outreach and communication, EASA has established a presence on three social media sites.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/easacommunity

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EASACommunityOR

Tumblr: http://www.easacommunity.tumblr.com

Advantages & Disadvantages: Facebook

Facebook

High usage amongst diverse demographics.

Advanced privacy filters.

Highly interactive.

“Fishbowl” effect.

Twitter

Hashtag database allows relevant searching & expansion beyond immediate social networks.

Specializes in quick, to-the-point info sharing.

Highly interactive.

Character limit can restrict info sharing.

Tumblr

Flexible interface maximizes personalization.

Extensive hashtag database allows open relevant searching & expansion, reduces fishbowl effect.

Interlinks with other social media sites.

Difficult to use, requires higher skill level.

Narrower demographic usage than Fb, Twitter. However, 61% of teens cite as favorite.

Conclusion

Social media provides valuable and flexible tools for expanding our outreach, communication, and fostering awareness. As the mental health landscape shifts to focus more on the consumer and their needs, agencies and other organizations should consider the usage of social media to maximize their connection and outreach.

Interactive

Please share your thoughts on your conference experience so far with the EASA Twitter!

Login into your Twitter account.

Type your message and add @EASACommunityOR.