Prevention Through A Digital Platform by Benedictine University blogger Karly Sacco

We have been living in a world that has been taken over by the power of social media for some years now. People feel more comfortable with opening up on websites and blogs because we are hidden behind a computer screen and can be anyone we want to be. Digital platforms have become a great way for those who are afraid to speak up in person to express their feelings and stories. Social medias are taking over the way we communicate and there isn’t any way around it so we might as well start incorporating it in most things that we do. Expression via Internet should always be an opinion for those to have when going through a difficult time.

Current sexual assault prevention programs should improve their content by offering more digital platforms for their members to speak through along with in person conversations.

There are a countless numbers of social media sites that can be a part of a program to help make it easier for people to communicate.

For example, Twitter. A prevention program can tweet out encouraging statements to get people struggling through their day with a little motivation. They can tweet out a Q&A so fellow members of the program can chat on a public platform and can relate to each other’s problems without being face to face. I am not saying that this is a perfect idea, but for those that are suffering, anything is worth a try to help them even in the smallest way. A lot of people say that social media is taking away from face to face interactions and being personable with one another. To that I say, what about Skype? This program would help immensely with prevention programs. The members of a program can all get together and have a Skype session with people across the world to discuss stories, prevention ideas, and just relate to each other.

Like I said before, the world is turning into a digital one, and  just by adding a few social media sites can positively change prevention programs by connecting people all over the world.

Rise For What Is RIght by Benedictine University blogger Karly Sacco

The media is a huge influence on what people do and say every day. It is subliminally impacting us young adults through music, movies, fashion and everything in between. There really is no way to escape the pressure of being just like some celebrities. The worst part is that most of them don’t even look like how the media portrays them in the magazines and on television. Take away the airbrushes and the magic of Photoshop and they are just like all of us, an every day person. The media holds us to such high standards that quite honestly are not realistic. This is a problem especially for people in their early 20’s. We sometimes become afraid to speak our minds because we don’t want to be judged by what others think of us. The idea that if we do not act “normal” or what is thought of as normal, all eyes will be on us. College students have become afraid to raise awareness about important issues that happen on campus because of this very idea. This notion needs some rethinking.

A lot of people are afraid of the idea of standing out and being different. Although, being put under a spot light isn’t always a bad thing. If you are standing up for something that you believe in and want to make a difference, then by all means please speak your mind. I feel that the college life is the same for most people. Get up, go to class, eat, study, and hang out with friends. Most people have a routine and it is hard for them to break it. Most people just got about their days seeing and hearing things that they want to speak up about, but are too nervous to say anything. I feel that the media made society this way. They have put the idea in our heads that fitting in and confiding to the every day norm is something we should all be doing.

We need to break the norm and prove people wrong. Stand up for what is right and don’t care what other people think about you. If you see or hear something about someone being a victim of a sexual assault, don’t be afraid to get him or her help. On the other hand, if you are the victim, do not be scared to get help as well. You are not alone and you will not be judged.

The media gives people the power to believe that they can be something that they are not. A sexual assault attacker could use this power in a negative way. College is a time for learning and discovering yourself. Learn what is right and what is wrong with the media and do not let it influence you to be someone you’re not, somebody perfect, someone that is non-realistic. Just be you and you can raise awareness and stop hiding behind a digital wall. Facebook and Twitter are not going to help you when serious issues like sexual assault occur on your campus. Action needs to be made in person. So put your cellphone down, close your laptops for a few hours, and confront the reality of spreading awareness.