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Social Media Meets Social Consciousness

| 04/05/2012

One could only hope it was a fictional occurrence created in the mind of Hollywood producers. Alas, the writers for Law and Order, Criminal Minds, and Without a Trace frequently base the storyline of an episode on a headline they read. The headlines might say something like “Dead Man Pledged Online Suicide Pact” or “Woman Lost Weight and Custody After Reading Anorexic Blog”. The internet is a resource with unlimited information. Unfortunately, not all the information is beneficial to the reader.

Social networking sites are noticing and taking action. While they understand the value of the freedom of speech, they are drawing a virtual line and saying some things just aren’t right. The three primary subjects being addressed are eating disorders, self-mutilation, and suicide. While content that helps those struggling with such issues remains acceptable to the sites, posts promoting those actions are no longer being allowed. Some sites have included it in the terms of service, others have made resources available to those struggling on the site.

Facebook seems to have led the initiative originally when the site partnered with the National Suicide Prevention LifeLine. Users seeking help are able to chat with a suicide prevention specialist. Friends of those considering suicide or friends who notice suicidal behavior in another user may refer the strugglers to the same chat service. Facebook, however, did not ban specific content related to suicide.

Tumblr was the first to place a ban on self-harming content. Blog posts that encourage eating disorders by offering specific suggestions and motivation are banned. Posts that promote self-mutilation of any kind are banned. And blogs offering suicide tips are banned. Tumblr was quick to acknowledge the value of the freedom of speech, but the decision remained: they would not support such behavior by allowing users to glorify it.

Pinterest soon followed by banning any pins that encourage self-abuse. Such ideas are not worthy to be noted, highlighted, promoted or celebrated. Instagram is the latest of the social media apps to ban such content.

Social media has the power to connect people and build relationships. It also has the power to destroy when uses maliciously. Fortunately there are sites that counter the damage. Proud2BMe was created by the National Eating Disorders Association to help those struggling with self-image and dieting issues. To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a site that offers encouragement for those who struggle with self-mutilation and suicidal thoughts.

Online gaming has already been under fire. Video games are now rated. The risks for misuse remain and game server hosting may eventually lead to the development of a homicide prevention site. To whom much is given, much is required. What began as networking people and entertainment became that, but it also became and new means for deviant behavior. Businesses are beginning to appreciate the value of community service for employees. It seems that social media sites are appreciating the value of protecting their users. 

Website Design 101

| 12/03/2012

There are several things that you, the prospective web site owner, need to think about before you forge ahead and decide to have a web site built for you. First of all you need to think about your product – are you selling something physical, or are you providing a service? Perhaps you’re all about information and advice? Maybe you’re an author and want to share your poetry online?

My point re the above is this: your website needs to reflect your product.

Next up is your target market. It’s pointless assuming that everyone has the same level of skills that you possess. A lot more folks (than you’d realize) struggle with the likes of good old www google, or even what a ‘browser’ actually is. Of course that’s still not everyone, and maybe your traffic will come from folks that are more savvy on the internet than you? The point being that you need a website that’s easy to navigate and bridges the gap – rather than being flashy, confusing and distracting.

A fussy, high-falutin’ front end can sway your click-through rate the wrong way – and cause your browsers to hit the back button. You need your visitors to stay on page, to buy your product or at the least contact you for more information – leaving you more opportunity to push your product.

There’s no point sharing info about UK property auctions if you’re hosting a website that features lots of flash graphics and annoying pop-up windows, and all the content points to the American real estate market.

As an example, I worked with a couple of guys that wanted a nice simple interface for their website, in order that their information spoke for itself. They wanted a newsy-type blog, one that would showcase what they had to say, and not interfere with their content and images.

Again, they steered away from flashy graphics and allowed the content to speak for itself. Equally you could be selling iphone bluetooth headsets and your site needs to be about the product – and your customers need to be able to navigate easily around your site in order that they can make their choice and leave having made a purchase.

As you can see, the whole website design business does need a little thinking about. However – there are experts out there, not all of whom are looking to make a fast buck. Listen to the pro, explain what you require and hopefully you’ll end up with exactly what you need!