It appears that there is never going to be an end to the number of specialized social media websites at our disposal, but there are a plethora of differentiation techniques the current sites are using to help stand apart. One recent example of this is Facebook’s newer profile feature, in which one can proclaim they are organ donors. A recent study out of Johns Hopkins conducted in May of 2012 revealed a substantial increase in the number of organ donors during the two-week study, with the number of organ donors climbing to over twice the normal rate. Yet sadly, the increase was short lived. The months following the new Facebook feature reveal, showed levels of registration returning to their original levels. This fact demonstrates the failings of a single push for a cause instead of a campaign that has different elements to keep the interest of the public.
I must confess that I never heard about this feature until preparing for this blog. While clearly I am not an early adopter of this feature, I do encourage the use of this feature for numerous reasons. Below are just a few of the many benefits to taking part in this initiative.
· It allows one to raise awareness for a growing need in our society as 18 people a day will die waiting on a transplant due to the shortage in organ donors (organdonor.gov)
· It enables you to notify your friends and families of your wishes, as hospitals will seek permission from your next of kin (though not always necessary if you are a registered donor).
· By sharing this information you bring up the topic to friends and family that may have never considered being a donor before.
· A single donor can save up to 8 lives, so imagine if you get your friends and family involved in this initiative!
I started this post by viewing this feature of Facebook as another way of differentiating it from the numerous social media websites currently available. I think this socially responsible behavior could be an important way for Facebook to build more brand loyalty and a highly favorable image. Even if only a few people are motivated to become donors because of Facebook, I consider it a success.
Will you become a donor? Or if you are already a donor will you tell people through Facebook?
Author:
Clay Craig, PhD.
