Is social media helpful or harmful to the general public? As of late, this debate has been amplifying, and it seems as though everyone has an opinion. Like most societal phenomena, it’s a complex issue that’s neither black nor white. Regardless of our personal thoughts on the issue, it’s essential to recognize the positive impact that social networks have had on charities and philanthropy as a whole.
The stats are clear. Animal shelters that utilize tools like Facebook and Instagram are reporting a widespread increase in awareness and adoptions. Crowdfunding has introduced an entirely new method of donating to those who feel disconnected from traditional charities. This evidence is everywhere, and if we subscribe to the belief that most people have an underlying desire to be charitable, social platforms have inarguably made giving back more accessible than ever.
Instagram, ever the pioneer in our digital landscape, has just made donating one step easier.
Just this week, the platform has begun rolling out their “donate” sticker. Now, supporting your favorite non-profits are just a tap away! Users simply need to open their camera feature on the app, access the “sticker” option, and add their donation sticker. From there, users can search for a plethora of nonprofits. Once the story goes live, a swipe up will reveal how much money has been raised for their cause.
If you’re bracing for a ‘catch’, surprisingly, there isn’t one! Instagram collects zero transaction fees, meaning Nonprofits will receive 100% of the proceeds made through the feature.
Charities such as the American Cancer Society and Water – a nonprofit that advocates for clean drinking water for all – have already started utilizing the feature. Celebs have jumped on the bandwagon, advocating for their charities of choice via stories.
While there are bound to be skeptics of this new feature, it’s uplifting when the industry is utilized this way. If even one charity sees an increase in donations and awareness from it, I think that’s a success. Since we can’t avoid our ever-expanding digital lives, we might as well harness it for good in any way possible.
For a full explanation of the donation sticker, take a look at the press release.
What are your thoughts regarding Instagram’s newest feature? Let us know in the comments below!
