Extension needs outreach innovation free from the harms ofsocial media

Abstract

Despite the outreach-building benefits of social media for Extension, it is time for Extension professionals tofind new innovative ways to reach out that do not involve social media. An increasing body of research hasdemonstrated the harms social media use imparts on the health and well-being of those in our communities. Our future use of social media as a primary method of outreach may perpetuate these harms, requiring ourbest efforts to develop new methods of outreach that do not negatively affect those we serve.