Advocating for Mask-Wearing through Social Media

This week our SMA reflected on her experience using social media to raise awareness about mask-wearing and mask safety. 

I view social media as a critical tool in advocacy work. Often we hear celebrities talk about their “platforms”. We may hear them say how grateful they are to have one or how they feel that they are obligated to use it. What the general public fails to realize is that they have platforms too. 

Social media has gifted everyone in the world a powerful tool of communication. We now have the ability to influence people on a much larger scale than ever before. For example, if you have 500 Instagram followers, and you post a picture in a mask, you have reached a good portion of your audience and made them aware that you think mask-wearing is critical. While you may not be taking a direct political stance, you are still utilizing your platform to demonstrate what you think is important. 

Overall, whether it's Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, or Facebook, we all spread messages that have power. We all have influence.

- Maddie Ahmadi, Essex High School, Class of 2023