As you may know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. In October 2009, Facebook was flooded with status updates by women disclosing their bra colors to raise breast cancer awareness. This year, a similar viral initiative was taken. A message was forwarded on Facebook giving females instructions to post a status stating, “I like it on the…” and then to finish the post with where they put their purse when they get home.
The provocative-sounding statuses gained a lot of attention, but not necessarily for breast cancer awareness. Many Facebook users were confused about how the statuses correlated with breast cancer awareness, unlike the previous year with the bra colors.
So one has to wonder, if no one knows what you are talking about or how it relates to the subject, is it still good press? Although the status updates had nothing initially to do with breast cancer, they did get Facebook users talking. Users inquired about the trend and how each status was unique. Men were particularly intrigued about what the statuses meant and why woman were being so vocal about where they “liked it.” In addition, women participating in this event were united on a common front, to raise breast cancer awareness.
From a PR standpoint, this campaign united women and got Facebook users talking. However, the lack of correlation between the statuses and breast cancer awareness may have made this initiative less effective than the previous year’s. Do you think this campaign was effective in raising breast cancer awareness?
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Is The Media Glorifying Teen Pregnancy?
I’m sure many of you have watched, or at least heard of, the MTV reality show Teen Mom. The show’s ratings have skyrocketed and it is the #2 most watched television series in MTV history, second only to The Jersey Shore. The show is reaching a huge audience, but not without controversy.
The stars of the show (“typical teen moms”) have been made into celebrities overnight and are now featured on dozens of magazine covers. Many people think MTV and the media are being extremely irresponsible by glamorizing teen pregnancy. Others think that the show sets a good example, showing the consequences of premarital sex. The debate goes back and forth, but with teen pregnancy on the rise in the United States, many want a clear answer about the impact of the media.
According to Family First Aid, the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world. Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually. Thirty-four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20, and eight in 10 of these pregnancies are unintended. The statistics are staggering, but with all of the sex displayed across televisions everywhere, why wouldn’t teenagers be influenced by it?
According to MTV’s website, “Each episode interweaves these stories revealing the wide variety of challenges young mothers can face: marriage, relationships, family support, adoption, finances, graduating high school, starting college, getting a job, and the daunting and exciting step of moving out to create their own families.” It is true that some of the teen mothers are shown dealing with struggles, but most teen viewers cannot relate to these girls. Many teen and pregnancy organizations are extremely concerned about the impact turning teen moms into celebrities could have on teenagers. “Putting the stars of these reality shows on a magazine cover puts them on the same plane as any actress, singer, or other celebrity,” The Parents Television Council Director of Communications and Public Education, Melissa Henson, said. “It is sending the message to girls that if you get pregnant as a result of being sexually active; you could end up on TV or a magazine cover.”
I must say, I agree. We shouldn’t forget that about a decade ago, the sexual content in the media today would be completely unacceptable. Is it a coincidence that teenage pregnancy rates are higher?
Although the profits for MTV’s hit show Teen Mom are high, the image this show gives the network as a whole is controversial. Is the negative image that could result from this show worth the high ratings for MTV?
The stars of the show (“typical teen moms”) have been made into celebrities overnight and are now featured on dozens of magazine covers. Many people think MTV and the media are being extremely irresponsible by glamorizing teen pregnancy. Others think that the show sets a good example, showing the consequences of premarital sex. The debate goes back and forth, but with teen pregnancy on the rise in the United States, many want a clear answer about the impact of the media.
According to Family First Aid, the United States has the highest rates of teen pregnancy and births in the western industrialized world. Teen pregnancy costs the United States at least $7 billion annually. Thirty-four percent of young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20, and eight in 10 of these pregnancies are unintended. The statistics are staggering, but with all of the sex displayed across televisions everywhere, why wouldn’t teenagers be influenced by it?
According to MTV’s website, “Each episode interweaves these stories revealing the wide variety of challenges young mothers can face: marriage, relationships, family support, adoption, finances, graduating high school, starting college, getting a job, and the daunting and exciting step of moving out to create their own families.” It is true that some of the teen mothers are shown dealing with struggles, but most teen viewers cannot relate to these girls. Many teen and pregnancy organizations are extremely concerned about the impact turning teen moms into celebrities could have on teenagers. “Putting the stars of these reality shows on a magazine cover puts them on the same plane as any actress, singer, or other celebrity,” The Parents Television Council Director of Communications and Public Education, Melissa Henson, said. “It is sending the message to girls that if you get pregnant as a result of being sexually active; you could end up on TV or a magazine cover.”
I must say, I agree. We shouldn’t forget that about a decade ago, the sexual content in the media today would be completely unacceptable. Is it a coincidence that teenage pregnancy rates are higher?
Although the profits for MTV’s hit show Teen Mom are high, the image this show gives the network as a whole is controversial. Is the negative image that could result from this show worth the high ratings for MTV?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Social Media Costumes!
In light of this weekend's festivities, check out the top five entries in Mashable's technology and social media costume contest! The winners were posted earlier today. My favorite is the YouTube costume with the crying baby from "Team Social Media." What's yours?
Have a frighteningly fun and safe Halloween weekend!
Have a frighteningly fun and safe Halloween weekend!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Welcome Starbucks Digital Network
You know Starbucks has free Wi-Fi access, right? As of yesterday, customers enjoying the free wireless connection in Starbucks locations around the country will be greeted with the Starbucks Digital Network (SDN). What is the Starbucks Digital Network?
"The community cork board" network provides multiple resources to users. It allows for unlimited access to six channels: News, Wellness, Business and Careers, Entertainment, My Neighborhood and the Starbucks channel. For a breakdown of each channel, read the article here.
The Starbucks Digital Network has provided countless resources for what the company assumes its customers want to know- and you can find it all in one place. Starbucks has selected particular publications to provide specialized content for its various channels, including The Wall Street Journal and New York Times for News.
SDN is meant to enhance the customers experience at Starbucks. Do you think customers will enjoy the channels on Starbucks Digital Network or be overwhelmed with the mass of information located in one place?
Fighting the Dark Side of Social Media
In today's society, we frequently discuss the benefits of social media and how these sites are revolutionizing the way we communicate and connect with others. However, due to recent events, the topic of cyber-bullying has become a topic of conversation, revealing the darker side of social media that is often ignored. With sites such as Facebook and Twitter, it has become much easier to harass fellow peers, through the creation of "hate pages" and abusive wall posts. In an article from Mashable, according to an MTV-Associated Press study, 50% of 14-24-year-olds have claimed to be a victim of digital abuse.
In an effort to combat the increase in cyber-bullying, MTV has launched a new virtually interactive tool called "Draw Your Line," an interactive map that allows kids from across the country to post ways in which they are fighting abuse. The new tool is a part of MTV's larger campaign, "A Thin Line," which focuses on preventing harassment during the digital age. Those who use the interactive map are able to utilize resources and tips on bullying shared from fellow peers as well suggest their own resources. MTV also recently launched an iPhone app, "Over the Line?" that allows teens to submit their personal stories and experiences with harassment to share and discuss with their peers.
Other organizations are also participating in the fight against digital abuse. GLAAD has partnered with Facebook to fight abuse on the site and columnist Dan Savage has created a YouTube channel called "It Gets Better," to share messages supporting gay teens.
Although the benefits of social media are a constant part of daily discussion, it is equally important to consider the negative effects of these networking sites.
How important do you think it is to emphasize and discuss the dangers of social media sites? Are campaigns such as these successful in the fight against cyber-bullying?
Let us know what you think!
In an effort to combat the increase in cyber-bullying, MTV has launched a new virtually interactive tool called "Draw Your Line," an interactive map that allows kids from across the country to post ways in which they are fighting abuse. The new tool is a part of MTV's larger campaign, "A Thin Line," which focuses on preventing harassment during the digital age. Those who use the interactive map are able to utilize resources and tips on bullying shared from fellow peers as well suggest their own resources. MTV also recently launched an iPhone app, "Over the Line?" that allows teens to submit their personal stories and experiences with harassment to share and discuss with their peers.
Other organizations are also participating in the fight against digital abuse. GLAAD has partnered with Facebook to fight abuse on the site and columnist Dan Savage has created a YouTube channel called "It Gets Better," to share messages supporting gay teens.
Although the benefits of social media are a constant part of daily discussion, it is equally important to consider the negative effects of these networking sites.
How important do you think it is to emphasize and discuss the dangers of social media sites? Are campaigns such as these successful in the fight against cyber-bullying?
Let us know what you think!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
GQ's GLEE Cover Controversy
GQ is receiving mixed reviews about their November issue, which features provocative photos of GLEE cast members. The magazine is aimed at adult males, but the television show is geared toward a teenage crowd. The actresses in the questionable photos are in their twenties, but they play high school students on the show. They are shown in the magazine wearing provocative clothing and posing suggestively.
This situation may remind you of Miley Cyrus' magazine cover controversy in 2008. The 15-year-old posed for Vanity Fair wrapped in a bed sheet, appearing to be otherwise topless. While both Cyrus and the GLEE actresses appeal to a young fan base, the GLEE actresses are several years older than Cyrus and the characters they play on the show.
GQ included the photos of the actresses to sell magazines to their target audience, which is not the same as the audience for the show. The actresses are young adults, and old enough to make choices about the personal image they wish to portray. In similar incidents, it has been argued that such photos help actresses break away from their childish image and gain more adult acting roles.
Was GQ wrong for including provocative photos of the actresses because of their young fans or was the magazine just catering the photos to their target audience? Is it wrong for female actresses to express their sexuality if their fan base is mainly teenagers?
To form your own opinion, read more and see the photos here.
This situation may remind you of Miley Cyrus' magazine cover controversy in 2008. The 15-year-old posed for Vanity Fair wrapped in a bed sheet, appearing to be otherwise topless. While both Cyrus and the GLEE actresses appeal to a young fan base, the GLEE actresses are several years older than Cyrus and the characters they play on the show.
GQ included the photos of the actresses to sell magazines to their target audience, which is not the same as the audience for the show. The actresses are young adults, and old enough to make choices about the personal image they wish to portray. In similar incidents, it has been argued that such photos help actresses break away from their childish image and gain more adult acting roles.
Was GQ wrong for including provocative photos of the actresses because of their young fans or was the magazine just catering the photos to their target audience? Is it wrong for female actresses to express their sexuality if their fan base is mainly teenagers?
To form your own opinion, read more and see the photos here.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Temple PRSSA Bake Sale to Fight Childhood Hunger
When: Tuesday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Student Center Atrium, Temple University Main Campus (13th & Montgomery)
What: Bake sale in partnership with Share Our Strength and the Food Network, featuring an array of baked goods such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more
Presented by: Temple University Public Relations Student Society of America
Share Our Strength is an organization that is working to end childhood hunger in the United States by 2015. The organization holds its annual Great American Bake Sale through its partnership with the Food Network. The Great American Bake Sale, made up of individual bake sales around the country, has raised $6 million since 2003. A donation of just $200 is enough to supply 50 families with healthy groceries. Please come support Temple Public Relations Student Society of America’s bake sale on October 26, because every brownie counts!
Where: Student Center Atrium, Temple University Main Campus (13th & Montgomery)
What: Bake sale in partnership with Share Our Strength and the Food Network, featuring an array of baked goods such as cookies, brownies, cupcakes and more
Presented by: Temple University Public Relations Student Society of America
All proceeds will be donated to Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale.
Share Our Strength is an organization that is working to end childhood hunger in the United States by 2015. The organization holds its annual Great American Bake Sale through its partnership with the Food Network. The Great American Bake Sale, made up of individual bake sales around the country, has raised $6 million since 2003. A donation of just $200 is enough to supply 50 families with healthy groceries. Please come support Temple Public Relations Student Society of America’s bake sale on October 26, because every brownie counts!
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