Social Media Driving Social Change | Md. Abdul Quayyum | TEDxGulshan

Summary

This TED Talk highlights the evolution of communication, from analog to digital to AI, with a focus on social media’s power to drive social change. The speaker discusses the rise of movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too, showing how hashtags transformed into global movements. The story of Jobar Boati, a Bangladeshi fisherman affected by climate change, is used to emphasize the real-world impact of environmental issues. The speaker calls for climate action and encourages the audience to use social media as a tool to inspire change, adopt climate-friendly lifestyles, and advocate for global solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal transformation from struggling with communication to delivering a TED Talk, emphasizing how far they’ve come in their journey.
• 😀 Social media is no longer just for selfies and cat videos but has become a powerful tool for global social change, helping ignite movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too.
• 😀 The speaker urges the audience to consider their role in using social media for positive change, especially in addressing critical issues like climate change.
• 😀 A key point is the impact of social media in empowering marginalized voices, allowing them to share their stories and advocate for justice.
• 😀 Jobar Boati’s story highlights the personal toll of climate change on vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, showing the devastating effects of rising sea levels.
• 😀 Climate change is not just a theoretical issue; it’s a real and urgent problem, affecting the lives of millions of people, particularly in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh.
• 😀 The speaker encourages the audience to take action in their daily lives by adopting climate-friendly practices such as reducing, reusing, and recycling.
• 😀 The importance of social media in amplifying the message of climate change action is emphasized, urging the audience to use their platforms to raise awareness and push for change.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the alarming fact that by 2050, 13 million people could become climate migrants due to the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh alone.
• 😀 The talk ends with a call to action, urging the audience to join the movement for climate action and leverage social media as a driving force for positive global change.

Q & A

How did the speaker overcome their initial struggles with communication?

The speaker mentions that, a decade ago, they struggled to communicate with family, friends, colleagues, and even in public. However, they worked hard over the years, watching TED Talks, following speakers, and mirroring them. Eventually, they gained confidence, and now they are able to speak in front of large audiences, like this TED Talk.

What is the role of social media in modern communication, according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that social media has evolved beyond just sharing selfies or cat videos. It's now a powerful tool for sharing stories, igniting movements, and providing a platform for marginalized voices. Social media has become an essential tool for social change.

What movements are cited by the speaker as examples of social media’s impact?

The speaker mentions the Black Lives Matter movement, which began as a hashtag against racism, and the Me Too movement, which raised awareness about sexual abuse. Both movements gained global attention through social media, resulting in significant social change.

How has social media helped marginalized communities, according to the speaker?

Social media has provided a platform for marginalized communities to share their stories and raise awareness about their struggles. The speaker highlights how social media enables the voiceless to speak out, giving them a chance to be heard on a global scale.

Who is Jobar Boati, and how does his story illustrate the impact of climate change?

Jobar Boati is a fisherman from a remote village in Bangladesh who lost his two sons and his home due to climate change-induced floods. His story showcases the real-life consequences of climate change, particularly for vulnerable communities that are disproportionately affected by its impacts.

What does the speaker believe is the core issue with climate change?

The speaker points out that the core issue of climate change is often misunderstood or oversimplified. While people commonly mention sea-level rise, global warming, and greenhouse emissions, the speaker emphasizes the human cost of climate change, as demonstrated by people like Jobar Boati.

What role do global leaders play in addressing the impacts of climate change?

The speaker argues that global leaders need to take immediate action to address climate change. They highlight that stories like Boati's have been shared at international climate conferences, such as COP, to urge leaders to take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities.

How does the speaker suggest individuals can help mitigate climate change?

The speaker suggests adopting a climate-friendly lifestyle, including reducing, reusing, and recycling, planting trees, using sustainable transportation, and buying products with minimal packaging. Additionally, individuals can reduce energy consumption to lower their carbon footprint.

What is the potential impact of social media on global climate action?

The speaker highlights that nearly five billion people use social media worldwide, and by using it effectively, people can create a global community that discusses climate change, spreads awareness, and encourages others to adopt a climate-friendly lifestyle. Social media can be a powerful force for global climate action.

What is the significance of Bangladesh in the context of climate change?

Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening the livelihoods of millions. The speaker refers to a World Bank report forecasting that by 2050, 13 million people could become climate migrants in Bangladesh, emphasizing the country's severe vulnerability.