In animal welfare, it seems like a no breaker that animal content is first and foremost.
But what if I told you that EVEN IN ANIMAL WELFARE sometimes it's too saccharine, too obvious, or even too UNETHICAL?
Typically, these "allegations" are more of a for-profit problem but even non-profit organizations sometimes get precariously close to misuse and over use.
How does anyone balance their usage of animal images with ethical considerations?
1) Starting with the obvious, are you using the animals image to promote someone that hurts the animal? An obvious example is a happy pig promoting a bacon product, but sometimes it could be something less obvious to the general public, like a dog with a child sitting on it while pulling its ears.
2) Are you engaging in manipulation or emotional blackmail? If your usage is channeling a sad ASPCA-vibe it needs to be authentic and sincere or at a minimum it will turn people off. If you just reacted 100 beagle puppies from a backyard breeder, go for it and use the images of those puppies and that situation. Do not use misleading or manipulated images, or images that aren't even connected to the rescue. And do not ever use images like that in a for profit situation (I would like to think that's super obvious).
3) Are you delaying care or help to promote a plea for help? This can get tricky. I used to volunteer in a shelter clinic, and we would kick ourselves when NO ONE got an incoming picture to show the reality of what we were dealing with. It is ok to snap some shots as you rush into action, but even better have someone that gets pictures as you are helping. But if you are withholding care or help to get great pictures for marketing? We all know that just isn't ok.
That's just for starters, and realistically different people will have different views on what is "ick" in animal related marketing. The first step, however, is getting people to really think about it
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Exciting news for wildlife enthusiasts! At SXSW, we're diving deep into the ethical considerations of using animal content in digital spaces. Join us for a must-attend panel discussion that explores the delicate balance between engaging audiences and respecting wildlife.
This session will not only spotlight the challenges social media managers and content creators face but also provide practical guidelines for sourcing and sharing content that's both ethical and impactful. Learn to discern if that adorable animal post is as innocent as it seems, and discover strategies to ensure your content supports wildlife conservation.
We are thrilled to have Shawn Sweeney, M.Ed., Associate Vice President of Communications and Partnerships at the Jane Goodall Institute, join the panel. With his extensive background in humane education, storytelling, and conservation, Shawn's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to make a positive impact through their digital platforms.
But that's not all — the panel will also feature distinguished experts who bring a rich diversity of perspectives to the conversation:
- Luisa Arnedo, National Geographic Society
- Preeti Desai, National Audubon Society
- Elizabeth Sorrell, Green Jay Strategies
Together, these experts will guide us through the complexities of creating and consuming content in a way that honors and protects the natural world. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from the best in the field and elevate your content strategy for the greater good.
Mark your calendars and join us in making a difference. Let's inspire change with every post, like, and share.
#SXSW #EthicalContentCreation #WildlifeConservation #DigitalImpact #JaneGoodallInstitute #NationalGeographic #AudubonSociety #GreenJayStrategies
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It looks like everyone had an amazing time at the Family Night! Kudos to the WeThrive wellbeing team for organizing such a fun event. 🦁🐯 #FamilyFirst #TeamWellbeing #HealthcareHeroes