With the dawn of modern technology, the earth has become a global village. We can now share multiple resources among numerous communities living in different parts of the world. These resources don’t limit to social, economic, and political but technological advancements as well. In a fast-paced environment, we must adapt to the new norms of the technological world. Out of those, digital media holds key value in our daily lives.
As we advance into the modern age, our work habits have changed drastically. It would not be wrong to say that our mindset has transformed. With the incorporation of modern technology, our older self has become quite obsolete. Office work has become more optimized, while connecting to your loved ones is just a click away. Regardless of time and distance, making social connections, creating awareness, and helping people are instantaneous.
More and more people are now opting to use digital media platforms to raise their voice regarding different social issues, highlight and bring into the knowledge of government authorities regarding the prevailing problems. If you’re the one with a keen interest in helping out people, then continue reading below.
This article lists some of the prominent uses of digital media for social work.
1. Learning Curve
The world as we know it is progressing towards a technology-oriented future. The advent of digital media has brought us to the verge of breakthroughs. But it also urges us to prepare for the future. Handling modern technology and equipment requires more sophisticated knowledge and understanding. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you must invest hours into regular learning sessions. Now, you can do so remotely at a lower cost and with improved quality. Anyone can surf the internet and gather valuable information that they require. Thanks to digital media that allows us to access information in a cheaper and meaningful way.
Reputable educational institutes now offer you the option of learning through digital means. Apart from various digital learning platforms, institutes also promote digital learning through online programs. Accrediting agencies closely monitor these programs to authenticate their credibility. If you want to learn more about social work and pursue it as a profession, enrolling in the CSWE online MSW is a great option.
Since self-education has become a reality, more recent and improved learning technology facilitates communication between students and teachers. Software applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and several others serve as a medium for teaching, coaching, and mentoring youth about the current social issues. Consequently, people are more socially aware of their surroundings than ever before. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube provide valuable information about social issues and their remedies various communities are facing. Instant news updates, tweets, and blog posts now keep you informed about events that are unfolding in real-time.
2. Social Interaction and People Empowerment
We cannot deny the fact that how abruptly digital media has changed our lives. The way we connect with people today never seem possible in the past. Time and distance are no longer social barriers that restrict us from linking with people belonging to different time zones. Even if you are socially isolated from the physical community, you can still connect with like-minded people through digital media. Digital applications and websites like Reddit lay the foundation of many social campaigns. Charities and online petitions for social work are now quite prevalent to stand against poverty and socially unacceptable issues. Digital media promotes interaction across social, political, cultural, and ideological platforms, which helps us better understand ourselves.
Also, most people access digital media platforms in emotional sorrow to receive support or express empathy towards others. Whether it’s awareness against the Covid-19 global pandemic or news about rising death tolls, digital media keeps you updated continuously. It allows you to enrich social relationships while keeping you in touch with your loved ones. Since the pandemic, multiple public awareness programs and campaigns are underway on social media to ensure your safety at the comfort of your home. People can raise funds digitally for social causes that have adversely affected numerous communities. Thus, studies show that facilitating social interaction through digital media results in lower stress levels for people.
3. People’s Voice
Digital media Platform is the voice of the people. Whether it’s drawing global attention towards a humanitarian crisis or promoting human welfare programs, digital media is indeed the lead. People are now publicly aware of illegal business practices and matters regarding political corruption. Moreover, information sharing throughout the world has become more effective and efficient. Digital messaging apps like Gmail, Messenger, and Instagram have minimized the time taken for messages meant to reach the general public. People have better access to statistical data, which allows information to socialize quickly. As a result, people can respond timely to recurring events while also communicating with others.
Notably, digital media is the medium that promotes the development of new communities. These digital communities have become the voice for people suffering from various issues. Digital media has successfully amplified the community’s response to prevailing social issues like civil rights, overpopulation, and human-rights abuse. Similarly, social problems like poverty, corruption, and climate change have gained the public’s attention through digital media. Social awareness programs help to inform people of the consequences of global warming, corruption, and civil unrest. Undoubtedly, digital media gives you a chance to be informed and actively participate in community actions through positive feedback.
4. Productivity and Flexibility
We think and see a lot differently as digital media integrates within our daily lives. Digital content presents new prospects that are far better and effective than the existing ones. For instance, we used to read newspapers in the past to stay informed of the outside world. Today, many digital apps, news bulletins, articles, blog posts, and studies are accessible through digital media, anywhere and anytime. Similarly, digital media has enabled social workers to provide a raw and realistic picture of various criminal activities. It has further allowed them to broadcast programs that aim to spread awareness cost-effectively.
Besides, collecting online information and data regarding the reported cases is a lot easier with the use of digital platforms. Fast and effective information sharing allows them to strategize their next move proactively. On the other hand, employees feel happier while working and communicating through digital means. The work-life balance for many people has improved abruptly, and new opportunities arise for people with less physical accessibility.
Conclusion
It is improbable to deny the importance of digital media in almost every field of life. Whether it’s social work or any other, the advancements we have made in every sector are quite revolutionary. Complicated tasks are now much more manageable, while information sharing and accessibility have become more convenient. It has further enabled workers to manage costs related to promotional programs, campaigns, and the spread of education. Nonetheless, digital media use for social work is a blessing in disguise for those willing to change society positively.
Also Read: Digital Magazines: Why are they so popular?
