Royden Neoh Yi Zhe, 15

School: Punggol Secondary School

Topic: Can social media make a positive impact on organ donation?

Award: Special Mention, Senior Category, 2023

Social media undeniably exerts a positive impact on organ donation, leaving an indelible mark on society. This wound could score deeper and deeper from the relentless bombardment of netizens. It could also be left as a fleeting blemish in this vast world. Be it a lasting wound or an ephemeral one, all things posted alters the nature of social media which changes the world. Such information resides in a timeless and immeasurable realm, simultaneously mesmerising and daunting. Yet, in a world so vast as if foreign, there is always a treasure to be found. Like a diamond in the rough, social media is a powerful tool often misused but laden with potential. This ‘wound’ inflicted by social media is commonly referred to as the "digital footprint”, which is leveraged by many organisations for saintly or revolting acts. Some may use it as a model of rectitude to empower others. While others use it to denigrate the situation others are in. That said, whatever one posts has a lasting effect that trails them to the edge of the world.

Any seemingly inconspicuous post, amidst the sea of information, possesses real-time pervasiveness. That said, the unique power of garnering the support and attention of billions, even as an average individual, strikes me profoundly. However, this double-edged sword, the algorithm, bombards users with questionable content, oscillating between adorable cat videos and unexpected appeals for organ donation. Those who skillfully manipulate the algorithm hold sway over netizens, simplifying a complex game. Yet, those who struggle to grasp this skill may recoil from its intentions. In conclusion, social media's impact on organ donation encompasses both pros and cons.

To begin, social media is an exceptional platform that aids in promoting organ donation. The integration of social media has revolutionised the way people consume information, transcending the mundane realm of physical newspapers. The captivating and engaging posts, accompanied by witty captions, have riveted the attention of the new generation. Without social media, would small organ donation communities have been able to spread their calls for help to the world so effortlessly? While news articles and daily reports do provide some assistance, their reach is limited by our short attention spans. Celebrities with countless followers on platforms like Instagram and TikTok can utilise their influence to educate young people about the importance of organ donation, dispelling myths that tarnish its altruistic nature. For instance, celebrities who have amassed uncountable followings on social media such as Instagram or Tiktok can help educate the importance of organ donation and raise awareness to youths. This fosters a well educated community and helps dispel myths that may blemish its altruistic nature. Additionally, celebrities can leverage their popularity to share their personal stories on organ donation. Celebrities like Selena Gomez utilised instagram to share her emotional organ transplant experience where her selfless friend donated her a kidney. This poignant narrative resonated with numerous netizens and reverberated across various media outlets, generating widespread reposts and shares. By enhancing the altruistic perception of organ transplantation, such stories encourage more individuals to consider organ donation as an act of saving lives and healing emotional and physical wounds. In summary, using social media to raise awareness and influence others regarding the greatness of organ donation allows these crucial issues to take root and gain recognition in the media. As more people become informed about organ donation, they are more likely to contemplate contributing to the cause. Hence, social media serves as an excellent platform for spreading stories and inspiring others to support organ donation.

In a similar vein, social media can help tap into a larger demographic through features or applications. As many people perceive organ donation as a daunting task that requires significant effort and dedication. Even though the importance of organ donation is widely recognised, the lack of motivation and accessibility hinders people from actively participating in this noble cause. Consequently, the shortage of volunteers and the prevalence of misconceptions become prevalent issues. For instance, there are individuals who remain unfamiliar with the subject and view organ donation as a gruesome act involving the extraction of vital organs from a perfectly healthy individual. They perceive it as a graphic and invasive procedure, characterised by the slicing of delicate skin to obtain crucial organs. Moreover, they question the value of donating organs to individuals who may not even survive the high-risk surgery. The vivid imagery of blood flowing along surgical instruments and dripping down the patient's body further adds to their apprehensions. Consequently, a common query arises: Why should I contribute to or donate my organs at all?

To address these challenges and promote awareness, social media platforms develop new features on existing social media applications. To illustrate, the Organ Donor feature on Facebook is a feedback profile implemented in conjunction with Donate Life America and aims to make it easier for individuals to become organ donors by eliminating some of the logistical barriers associated with the process. This helps ameliorate the egregious process of communicating with donors. Furthermore, other social media platforms have also taken steps to encourage organ donation. Twitter, for instance, has partnered with organisations such as the National Kidney Foundation to promote donation awareness campaigns. By leveraging the reach of popular social media platforms to streamline the registration process and amplify donation awareness messages, social media can help to make a positive impact on organ donation rates. So after all, the communication feature may not be as bad as it seems.

Lastly, social media plays a crucial role in facilitating communication between organ donors and recipients. In today's digital age, social media platforms offer various features that make communication easier than ever before. Individuals can now slide into someone's direct messages, leave comments under their posts, or reply to snippets of videos known as "stories." All of these features enable seamless communication for organ transplants. However, social media's power is not without its challenges. The comment section, in particular, can inadvertently attract instigators, commonly known as internet trolls, who derive satisfaction from leaving frivolous and vile remarks. When individuals in need of an organ turn to social media to share their desperate pleas, they anxiously await words of reassurance. Unfortunately, some netizens can be brutally cruel, and the algorithm often amplifies this callous slander. It becomes a form of perpetual torture for those who are already suffering in their final days. Yet, while social media can destroy a fragile sprout of hope planted online, it also has the potential to cultivate hope for those who are deprived of vital organs. Fortunately in dire situations, philanthropic communities can unite in unprecedented ways to overcome adversities. With millions of online users, the cry for help can reach a vast audience, increasing the likelihood of finding a suitable donor. Somewhere among the billions of people in the world, there is a kind soul unafraid of the concept of organ donor altruism. Through the power of social media, this compassionate individual can make the benevolent gift of life possible.

Social media possesses the remarkable ability to share boundless stories, shape lives, and even transform societal perspectives. It reminds us that not all of us are blessed with the privilege of operating like clockwork; some of us depend on non-functioning gears that determine life and death. The fear of facing each moment knowing that a vital organ may fail at any time is a daunting reality. It is in these fragile moments, teetering on the edge, that we learn to cherish the small joys and milestones that life offers as time seems to crawl agonisingly slow. For those trapped in an interminable wait for a suitable organ donor, life becomes an incessant journey of tribulation, akin to a nightmarish existence where time stretches infinitely. It is precisely because of this shared vulnerability that we should strive to help others in need, allowing all members of society to fully embrace and enjoy their lives. As virtuous users of social media, it is our responsibility to employ this platform judiciously, leveraging its potential to ensure the safe and timely delivery of organs to our fellow friends in need. By embracing this virtue and harnessing the positive potential of social media, we can contribute to a society that values compassion, empathy, and the lifesaving impact of organ donation. Together, let us navigate the digital landscape with integrity, using social media as a force for good, so that no one is left waiting in despair for the gift of life they so desperately need.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2023 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health). To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg