You are walking through the hallways and someone who is focused on their phone bumps into you. It is very likely that the person was in their own personal social media bubble. They were possibly checking out their friend’s latest Snapchat story, scrolling through some tweets, or laughing at a Vine. But maybe they were reading about an earthquake that just took place in a country all the way on the other side of the globe.

With the never ending social media outlets that have become so popular amongst people of all ages, there may be more good to them than you think.

There have been countless occasions where social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook have brought awareness to global issues and natural disasters; for example, the recent earthquakes in Nepal.

With the ability to see what is trending worldwide, social media users are able to stay up to date with what is going on in places other than the city they live in. Along with being notified and educated about such things, people are also able to help by finding organizations that they can donate to.

Local news stations such as ABC 7 Chicago and WGN TV News have ad- opted the current trends of social media. Such news stations use Facebook and Twitter to link stories about things that could be happening right in your neighborhood. This method of spreading the news enables people to stay up to date.

Television is no longer the only re- source for obtaining information about local events, crimes, natural disasters, etc. There are numerous social media websites and applications available that aim to inform people in a quick and easy manner.

The American Red Cross is an organization that provides emergency assistance and disaster relief inside the United States and internationally. The organization has their own Twitter ac- count that they use to share critical in- formation during times of crisis.

On June 2, the organization used the hashtag #AllIn1Day to collect do- nations so that, when needed, people, possibly in your community, will not be alone when going through unpredictable disaster. Onix Nava, Div. 669, values the good

that social media sites are able to bring to those in need.

“[Trending topics] not only inform people of global issues in a convenient manner, they can also lead to helping those who have been affected,” Nava said.

According to the American Red Cross, they help a family affected by a home fire or other disaster nearly 200 times a day. An average of 91 cents per dollar they spend is invested in humanitarian services and programs.

People should not be limited to only knowing about events that may directly affect them. It is important to be aware of everything that is going on in the world around us. With social media consistently being updated by the minute, users are easily able to acquire knowledge.

UNICEF is a United Nations program that provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to chil- dren and mothers in developing countries. According to UNICEF’s Twitter, “UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every

child in 190 countries and territories, with a special focus on reaching those in greatest need.”

UNICEF is currently on the ground helping children in need as a result of the earthquakes that occurred in Nepal. The program is using the hashtag #NepalEarthquake on Twitter so that users are aware of what is being done to help and what the donations are being put used for.

Just last year, UNICEF used the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls to make people aware of the abducted schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, Nigeria.

Because of the amount of people that were made aware of what was going on due to the amount of attention UNI- CEF’s website placed on the abductions, UNICEF’s twitter reported that pressure was added to get the Nigerian government “to urgently take steps to make sure that the children would be returned to their families unharmed and [able to] continue their education in a safe environment.”

Social media websites and applications have become more than just a way to share how you are feeling and pictures of your pet. We are no longer limited to obtaining important news about global issues and disasters from one outlet. Social media has advanced the spread of awareness and ultimately, the rate at which we can help.