In an age where everything is online (literally everything), our newsfeeds are filled with information regarding these increasing internet terror attacks around the world. We continuously see videos and articles about well-known politicians and their ideas on how to end terrorism, but where are the results? The numbers keep increasing on social media terrorism and nothing seems to help.

In comes the Justice League. No, not the infamous group of superheroes we all have grown up with and come to love (despite the numerous movie remakes). The Justice League of Social Media have come to save the day -well, hopefully. Four media giants have banded together to stop the spread of social media terrorism. These superheroes are none other than Facebook, Twitter, Google and Microsoft. Their plan of attack is to create a shared database that will utilize digital “hashes” to find and flag any terrorism posts or videos and then remove the content.

Why is this band of media heroes just now forming when terrorism has been around for years? It all has to do with the rising influence of social media. While these acts of terrorism have increased over the years, so have powerful media and tech companies such as Facebook and Google. These sites have incorporated themselves in every aspect of our lives. In fact, one could argue that this past presidential election was essentially ran by the power of the media. Just as Uncle Ben told a young Spiderman, “With great power, comes great responsibility”.

These media giants have a social responsibility to not only protect those who use them regularly, but rather the entire world from terrorist groups. (Not to mention, this will provide the positive publicity that these companies could use). The power of the internet has the potential to help end the war on terrorism. Will this completely eradicate terrorism? Maybe not. But it is important to remember the influence and power that social media has. Yes, Facebook is great to keep in touch with friends and family (and occasionally watch a cute cat video), but more importantly, it has the ability to help save the world. Perhaps we will see other large key players such as Apple and Instagram join this Justice League if this plan works. We all need a hero, and maybe social media is just that.

Starbucks aficionados around the nation woke up last Tuesday excited for the classic, cheerful and bright red Holiday cups to be in their hands at last. They were wrong. In the past, Starbucks would release their holiday cups the first week of November. However, this year there is an “in between” cup before coffee lovers can get their hands the signature piece of the holiday season. Instead of the jolly red holiday cups, Starbucks regulars had a few more characters joining them for morning coffee.

The new design hit stores November 1st and was originally drawn on canvas using one single line, forming a variety of different characters symbolizing unity throughout our communities. These cups made their debut a week before the presidential election. Coincidence? Last year their holiday cups received a lot of buzz and this year it has been no different. Save the date, November 11th Starbucks will be officially releasing their 2016 holiday cups for all to enjoy.

Switching gears, the retail environment isn’t much different from Starbucks. The earlier they can decorate for Christmas, the better. However, the upscale department store Nordstrom has continuously stayed true to their morals and keeps their Christmas decorations under wraps until after Thanksgiving. Earlier this week they released their lasted campaign “love, Nordstrom” which has been described by the retailer as “a series of larger-than-life love notes”. By putting the spotlight on 30 of their customers from around the United States, they have created a strong message that helps build an honest and trustworthy relationship between their company and the customers.

These two “feel-good” ad campaigns hit media in hopes to weed through the massive amount of political advertising. In such an acrimonious advertising environment, it’s refreshing to stumble upon campaigns that make you smile.

On the other hand, retailers including Target and Walmart have already seen this election impact their numbers. Over the past year of non-stop media coverage of the very strong candidates, consumers have proven that they are distracted. As of November first, Christmas shopping has not been the first thing on their mind. Where are you Christmas, why can’t we find you?

The well-known discount retailer Target has delayed their Christmas advertisements this year due to the election. It seems like every commercial break is accompanied by the two candidates. Target decided to change its regular marketing mix to adjust to the conversations happening throughout the political and corporate world. Rick Gomez, the Senior Vice President of Target stated “We don’t want to come across as tone deaf to the conversations going on during [the election] so we’re being very throughout [and] very smart about which media channels we’re going to be in, in particular in the beginning of November”.

The political world has taken a toll on all industries. From the consumer point of view, one may feel smothered by politics. Starbucks, Nordstrom and Target are three companies who are adjusting to the campaign and using it to their own advantage. Each of the three companies have created their own distractions and are eager to get in the holiday spirit. Although these first weeks of November have been unexpected, we can expect the holiday cheer to hurdle itself over the bumps, taking full speed ahead. Commence Christmas lights, Peppermint Mocha lattes (in the red cups), and holiday ads. Tis’ the season!

Millions of accounts are active on social media platform daily, sharing photographs, articles, and statements about anything and everything going on around the world. Scroll through your Twitter account right now. I bet you saw a few memes about Harambe and a ton of people hating on Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Scrolling down a little bit further, Hillary and Trump likely made an appearance alongside Kendall Jenner, the queen on New York Fashion Week. And if you have the Galaxy Note 7, you’re probably re-thinking that purchase…

The power of social media has changed the news vertical for generations today, for both good and bad. Scrolling through the #trendingtopics each and every day can be extremely overwhelming – everything is an outrage, but everything is also a chance to do good.

Social media has become an outlet for:

Support System

Last Sunday was the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. With heavy hearts, there were beautifully written articles, jaw-dropping photos, and unimaginable stories shared across the Internet. Documentaries were aired on T.V. and America came together to support one another.

The deepest sympathies were made public through the most powerful 140 character tweets and photos of the breathtaking memorials and remembrance ceremonies posted on Instagram. Snapchat had a featured story that live streamed the different events happening across the world from Obama’s speech at the Pentagon to Trump and Hillary’s attendance at the ceremony in held in New York.

People began publicly sharing their own stories of where they were when they found out the terrible news fifteen years ago. As a society, we have become completely transparent. The mood of each of these platforms was changed in the remembrance of tragedy and brought the United States together as complete strangers to lift each other up.

Just For Smiles

This week, Glimpse introduced their latest campaign, the Citizens Advertising Takeover Service (C.A.T.S). A group of volunteers raised enough money to remind people that everyone had the power to make an impact. They are not selling a product, they are selling nothing but free smiles.

#CatsNotAds has become the hashtag where London commuters are sharing their experience with the 68 pictures of kitties found in a South London tube station. C.A.T.S wants viewers to think about the world a little differently than usual. Since the launch of this campaign, pictures are constantly being posted on Instagram and Twitter and the outcome is putting smiles on faces around the world.

At the end of the day or during downtime, scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram has become a norm. With such heavy topics and an astronomical user base, it can be nothing short of overwhelming. The power of media in today’s society has forced this generation to more closely understand and investigate news topics while challenging each and every one of us to educate ourselves even more.