The digital age has been represented as one of a selfie obsessed, Kardashian coveting, cyber-bullying catastrophe, however online communities have salvaged a sense of humanity and are using technology to connect and support each other - all in the name of altruism.
Families in particular have proven incredibly adept at creating meaningful social networks. Blogging, Facebook groups (utilising secret, open and closed settings) and apps such as WhatsApp, are helping create niche fraternities, profiting from a knowledge bank of shared experiences.
According to The Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 28% of the population are born overseas, and over 300,000 Australians move interstate annually. This means for many, family can be thousands of miles away.
To help combat this problem (among others), new mums across the country have created many online groups to help with the issues they face.
Mums are utilising Facebook groups such as Inner West Mums in Sydney, and the virtual marketplace KIDsize Living Inner West Garage Sale. The first is a forum for advice and mentoring (and sometimes, just a big ol’ rant), while the latter is a members-only space where mums can buy, sell or donate items to each other.
This means that new families don’t have to buy brand new (and often expensive) items such as prams, change tables or bundles of clothing, but it’s also environmentally sustainable: items are being recycled rather than new items being produced.
Items such as these DVDs become redundant once children reach a certain age. On this Facebook page, mums sell off quality items cheaply, recycling the merchandise.
Mums can also give away new or partially used personal items, some of which traditional online auction sites, like eBay, won’t allow as it violates their used goods policies.
Some items that are banned from eBay are posted within the members-only group, often given away at no cost. New mums are often money conscious, suddenly surviving on a single income for the household. Free items ease the financial strain, whilst supplying mothers with critical items.
Smartphone apps also proved to be convenient for mums. “If I could access it with my phone using one free hand while I fed, held, rocked my baby, it was worthwhile for me! Whatsapp is at the top of my list - to connect to my mothers group. Followed by Facebook's Inner West Mums and various blogs e.g. Pinky McKay. “ says new mum Alex Graham.
Laura Harris has a 2 year old, and is 28 weeks pregnant. She uses home renovating, decorating, mothers groups and even pram groups on Facebook to share advice and information. “With the mother's groups it’s just like you’ve got
someone to talk to whenever!
“You have heaps of responses really quickly from a whole bunch of women with different experiences and different insights. They give advice, help and give general conversation. It would be difficult to gain access to this information, the right information, as quick and from people who are not just anybody" she says.
Alex Graham with daughter Allegra
Dads Online (http://www.dadsonline.com.au) is an Australian blog with a Facebook page that acts as an important resource for Dads doing it solo. They supply information covering everything from crisis and support networks to conflict resolution tips to teaching your kids to be eco-friendly and kid-friendly recipes.
Peter, the site’s creator, says “There are about 4,250 dads who interact with Dads Online - and growing -that enjoy a range of topics around parenting, as well as coping with being a separated dad. I don’t believe you would get that volume in a face to face environment. Dads can post comments both in public and private, to voice their concerns or ask for help - which they do often. Dads Online has a range of support resources that are offered to dads; depending on their needs at the time.”
The website is incredibly successful and gets approximately 34,000 pages a month read by approximately 7300 unique visitors, of which 98% are men across Australia.
The Dad Online blog reads “This is an interactive site so feel free to post your comments, thoughts and ideas so they can also help others.”
The Dads Online Facebook page - which gets a staggering 34,000 reads a month
The success of online family groups has also extended to big name corporations, with brands like Vanish Napisan running a “tip exchange” campaign. The campaign promotes Vanish, a stain removal product, through a blog (http://www.tipexchange.com.au) where users participate in the forum. Users ask questions about stain removal, and other members offer advice.
The Vanish Napisan blog where users post questions, answers and tips
In old school advertising, it was the brand that delivered the “how to” message; but with Vanish, the model is reversed. Users now create the content.
All in all, despite the negative public backlash that social media sometimes falls prey to, there are tech-savvy families out there who are selflessly helping each other, sharing memories and experiences in this brave new digital world. And all without a selfie stick to be seen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bec Foley is mum for 1 year old Delilah, and studies Journalism full time at UWS. She says that studying whilst suffering from an acute bout of baby brain and lack of sleep has significantly lowered her own academic expectations. She is looking forward to graduating in 2016, and sleeping a full night through in 2017.
Agree (0)
Disagree (
__small.png)
