Question

indicate the risks that community members could encounter when they use social media to advocate for safe and healthy living environments.​

Answer 1

Social media can be a powerful tool for community members to advocate for safe and healthy living environments. However, there are also several risks that individuals may encounter when using social media for advocacy purposes. Some of these risks include:

1. Cyberbullying and harassment: Advocates may be subjected to cyberbullying and harassment from individuals who disagree with their views or who are opposed to their cause. This can be particularly harmful to individuals who are already vulnerable, such as victims of environmental injustice.

2. Privacy concerns: Social media platforms may collect and share personal data, which can be used to target advocates with unwanted advertisements or other forms of content. This can compromise the safety and security of individuals who are advocating for change.

3. Misinformation and disinformation: Social media platforms can be used to spread false or misleading information, which can undermine the credibility of advocates and their cause. This can be particularly harmful in the context of environmental advocacy, where accurate information is essential to making informed decisions.

4. Legal risks: Advocates may be subjected to legal action, such as defamation lawsuits, if they make statements that are perceived as defamatory or harmful to others. This can be particularly challenging for individuals who do not have access to legal resources or who are not familiar with the legal system.

5. Burnout and exhaustion: Advocacy work can be emotionally and mentally taxing, and social media can exacerbate this by creating a constant stream of information and demands. This can lead to burnout and exhaustion, which can impact the effectiveness of advocates and their ability to continue their work.

Overall, while social media can be a powerful tool for advocacy, individuals should be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate them. This may include taking measures to protect their privacy, fact-checking information before sharing it, and engaging in self-care to prevent burnout and exhaustion.

Answer 2

- Cyberbullying and harassment from individuals who disagree with their views.
- Exposure to inappropriate content or misinformation.
- Losing privacy and personal information.
- Being targeted by trolls or bots that aim to disrupt their message.
- Being sued for defamation or libel if they make false or damaging statements about individuals or organizations.
- Being banned or censored by the social media platform for violating their terms of service.
- Being exposed to harmful content or extremist views that may influence their own views and actions.