Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Autism, Social Media and Community
Avinash Patil, Social Media Consultant@NiteGlow
What is Social Media?
“Social Media is the democratisation by which anyone can become a consumer or publisher of content through online channels. It enables people to share information and engage in a global real-time conversation.” (Avinash Patil)
Different flavours…
Large Social Networks – Facebook, Linkedin
Public Microblogging and Blogging Platforms – Twitter, Tumblr, Wordpress
Video Sharing and Discussion Platforms – YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion
Photosharing sites – Instagram, Flickr
Direct Messaging – Skype, Whatsapp, Snapchat
Internal Forums – NAS Community Forum, Network Autism , Aspievillage, Wrongplanet
Staggering numbers!
1.4 billion active users – 50% every day 71% of adult internet users & 58% of entire adult population 20 million people “Like” pages every day
320 million active users worldwide 500 million tweets every day
A world of social connections
• Map of Facebook connections around the world in 2010 – Imagine what is now!
Large Existing Autism Communities
Wrong Planet - 80,000+ registered users• Set up 2004• Advice, tips and practical advice driven by autistic people
NAS Community – 13,276 registered users• Set up 2010• Peer-to-Peer support• Sign-posting to relevant information on NAS website• Anonymous – leads to freedom to discuss difficult topics
Advocacy and Awareness
In 2014 ‘What is autism’ was the 6th most searched term in ‘What is’ category on Google
Why do autistic people use Social Media?
Challenges with social communication• Face-to-face communication• Eye contact and body language• Sustaining conversation• Making and maintaining friendships
Social Media provides new options of addressing these challenges
Why do autistic people use Social media?
Social Communication
Social Interaction Social Imagination
Addressing the Triad of Impairments
Sensory Challenges
Creative self-expression and connection through common interests
Exploring of different identities and personas
Text based and visual communication• More direct and literal
Clearer understanding of context and rules
More time to process and respond
Often less overwhelming than physical social situations• No need to interpret body language or facial
expression
Always on
Why do autistic people use Social Media?
64.00%
22.10%
5.20%3.90% 3.90%
Social Engagement and Common ConnectionEntertainmentNo specific reasonBusiness and WorkKeeping in touch with friends and relatives
Most autistic people use Social Media for Social Engagement and Common Connection
Friends or Romantic Partners
Option that did not exist before
Source: Jemma Byrne, Autism and Social Media: An exploration of the use of computer mediated communications by individuals on the autism spectrum, University of Glasgow, Scottish Autism
Connectedness, Emotions and Empathy
Social Media offers new opportunities for a feeling of connectedness
Social interactions such as likes and Emoji provide discreet ways of conveying affinity and a wide range of emotions
‘Likes’ can also be used as icebreakers in conversations
Good examples of sharing experience and knowledge
Good examples of sharing experience and knowledge
Aspie World is a UK Vlogger on the autism spectrum• Quirky and fun
look• Practical advice • Experience• 5,490 subscribers
Democratisation and Social Change
Social Media has been used successful for rapid Social change• Voice to the Voiceless – People are part of the collective conversation• Arab Spring 2011-2012 utilised it effectively to challenge and oust
oppressive regimes
Access was less defined by sociological factors like class but rather technical ability and an internet connection
Democratisation and Social Change
Social Media played a key role in US Election and Brexit People VS the Establishment
It successfully predicted the outcome Traditional polls got it wrong
Democratisation and Social Change
Imagine the social change the autism community can achieve with more effective use of Social Media…
Community
Social Media empowers autistic people to develop virtual and real world communities around important issues
Should look to develop this to full potential
Mobilise positive action, awareness and acceptance
