{"id":32,"date":"2023-08-20T15:01:36","date_gmt":"2023-08-20T19:01:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eiq.knx.mybluehost.me\/website_78d26930\/commethics\/?p=32"},"modified":"2023-08-20T23:13:08","modified_gmt":"2023-08-21T03:13:08","slug":"charity-images-on-social-media-can-bring-change-but-are-they-ethical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jjsylvia.com\/commethics\/charity-images-on-social-media-can-bring-change-but-are-they-ethical\/","title":{"rendered":"CHARITY IMAGES ON SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BRING CHANGE BUT ARE THEY ETHICAL?:A Case Study Of The United Nation International\u00a0\u00a0Children Emergency Fund (Unicef) Ghana’s Social Media Use."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There has been a lack of success in enabling nonprofit organizations to use websites as strategic, interactive stakeholder engagement tools, according to prior studies (e.g., Kent, Taylor, & White, 2003; Saxton, Guo, & Brown, 2007). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why social media has become popular among non-profit organizations around the world. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, among other social networking sites, have eliminated this excuse. These applications are free and have built-in interactivity. (Lovejoy & Saxton, 2012) making it easy for any organization whether large or small to be able to create a page and build a network of followers, donors, stakeholders and volunteers virtually, and with whom they are in almost real-time contact.There is no doubt that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a crucial role in addressing social, economic, and environmental issues around the world. UNICEF is no exception when it comes to using images of aid recipients and social media platforms to raise awareness and generate support for their causes. Aid recipients’ images and social media platforms have become integral parts of NGOs’ fundraising strategies. To generate support for their causes, NGOs effectively leverage these tools by creating an emotional connection, extending their reach, building trust, and inspiring action. As technology continues to advance, NGOs will continue to use visual storytelling to make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Charity images can bring change but is it ethical.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

An example of this is a photograph taken by South African photographer Kevin Carter in 1993, which depicts a young Sudanese girl perched near a vulture https:\/\/jjsylvia.com\/commethics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/images.jpg<\/a>. By focusing on the plight of children during a time of famine, the iconic image captured public attention. Carter’s photograph shed light on a pressing humanitarian crisis, prompting immediate action and support. An image of the child quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing attention to the dire situation in which countless children live in the conflict-torn region. Several donations and support efforts were garnered for the United Nations aid effort as a result of this photograph. Human rights scholar Thomas Keenan (2005) defines “mobilizing shame” as a method of exerting pressure on governments to intervene in such disasters in order to save those who are in need. The question remains, however: is it ethical to exploit the suffering of an individual for the greater good? Despite Carter’s noble intentions, it is important to consider the potential long-term consequences of such practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UNICEF, a leading global organization dedicated to improving children’s lives has also recognized the power of social media as a tool for reaching and engaging with a wider audience. Over the years, UNICEF has adopted social media as a key component of its communication strategy. It leverages its potential to raise awareness, mobilize support, and advocate for children’s rights. In recent years, UNICEF has acknowledged the immense influence and reach of social media platforms in shaping public opinion and driving societal change. In accordance with their Global Communication and Public Advocacy Strategy (UNICEF\/NYHQ2010-3101\/SHEHZAD NOORANI (2014).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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As part of UNICEF’s social media strategy, the Ghana office of UNICEF contacted me to document their aid activities in 2017 till date. Seven years of filming and packaging images for UNICEF\u2019s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages respectively, I have come to understand that the use of images of aid recipients is often a component of human rights campaigns, which I agree with. I am however concerned about the ethics delimma in using social media to display photographs of aid beneficiaries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A United Nations treaty (1948) and many national constitutions protect freedom of expression, including visual representation. However, the ethical implications of publishing images of aid beneficiaries on social media are complex and multifaceted. This paper is to explore UNICEF Ghana’s use of social media as a case study to examine the ethical implications of posting images of its aid recipients. The purpose of this is to demonstrate the success of humanitarian projects that have been executed and to attract more donors to support their humanitarian efforts. The question that arises is whether this practice is ethically acceptable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In posting images of aid beneficiaries, there are significant considerations regarding privacy, consent, dignity, and potential exploitation. By focusing on UNICEF Ghana’s social media practices, It is my aim to explore the ethical dilemmas that arise when displaying images of individuals who have received support from the organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I will explore the various perspectives surrounding this issue. Example on the one hand, showcasing these images can raise awareness and generate support for worthwhile causes, allowing for greater impact and reach. However, it is crucial to consider the potential harm from exploiting vulnerable individuals or perpetuating stereotypes. Balancing transparency and accountability with respect for privacy and dignity is a delicate task that requires careful consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope to shed light on the complex ethical issues surrounding the display of support beneficiaries’ images on social media, as well as provide insights for organizations such as UNICEF Ghana to navigate these challenges responsibly and ethically. My ultimate goal is to contribute to a broader discussion of best practices in using social media platforms for the promotion of humanitarian causes while remaining ethically responsible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussion Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n