The Progress of Child Mortality and Twitter's Impact: Connecting the Dots

Hatched by Kazuki
Sep 01, 2023
4 min read
3 views
Copy Link
The Progress of Child Mortality and Twitter's Impact: Connecting the Dots
Introduction:
Child mortality rates have significantly decreased over the past few decades, marking a remarkable achievement in global healthcare. In parallel, social media platforms like Twitter have become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping the way we communicate and receive information. Although these two topics may seem unrelated, they share common points that shed light on global trends and the power of technology in shaping our world.
Child Mortality: A Story of Progress
Over the years, the world has witnessed a significant decline in child mortality rates. In 1950, a staggering 20 million children died each year, but by 2019, the number had dropped to below 5 million. This remarkable progress can be attributed to various factors, including advancements in healthcare, increased access to medical resources, and improved living conditions.
The first five years of a child's life are the most vulnerable, making it the riskiest time for them. Communicable diseases such as diarrhea and malaria, along with health problems experienced by mothers, have been major contributors to child mortality. In recent years, the focus has shifted towards addressing non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular problems, accounting for 18% of under-5 deaths.
Neonatal deaths, primarily caused by severe infections and asphyxia, pose a significant challenge. However, simple interventions like immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers after birth have proven highly effective in reducing mortality rates. Furthermore, diseases like pneumonia and diarrhea have seen a decline in death tolls due to the use of low-tech interventions like oral rehydration solutions and vaccines.
Twitter: A Platform for News and Engagement
While Twitter may not be the primary social network for Americans, it holds a significant place as a platform for news consumption. For existing Twitter users, staying informed is a key feature of the platform. In fact, Twitter is the number one social platform in Japan, highlighting its global reach and influence.
With an advertising audience of 353 million, Twitter remains a powerful tool for marketers. Interestingly, Twitter has a larger male user base, accounting for 70% of its users, compared to 30% female users. However, in the United States, the gender gap is smaller, with 54% male and 43% female users.
Demographically, Twitter appeals to a wide range of age groups. The largest segment, comprising 28.9% of Twitter's audience, falls within the 25-34 age range. Additionally, it is worth noting that a significant portion of Twitter activity is driven by a small percentage of users, with 92% of U.S. tweets originating from just 10% of Twitter users.
Twitter's Impact on News Consumption and Content
Twitter has long been associated with real-time news updates and discussions. However, recent trends indicate that Instagram is gaining ground as a news source, with both platforms almost tied in terms of news usage since 2019. This shift reflects the changing preferences of users and how they engage with social media for information.
The power of visuals and emotions is evident on Twitter, as seen through the most-tweeted emojis of 2020: 😂 and 😭. These emojis capture the range of human emotions expressed and shared on the platform, creating a unique form of digital communication.
Video content on Twitter has experienced a significant surge, with a 62% increase in views from 2019 to 2020. This highlights the platform's ability to adapt to changing user preferences and the growing demand for engaging multimedia content.
Actionable Advice:
- 1. Support Global Efforts: As child mortality rates continue to decline, it is crucial to support initiatives and organizations working towards improving healthcare and reducing the prevalence of communicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries. Donations and advocacy can make a significant impact in saving young lives.
- 2. Utilize Social Media for News: As Twitter remains a popular platform for news consumption, marketers should consider leveraging its reach and targeting capabilities to engage with their target audience effectively. Understanding the demographics and preferences of Twitter users can help tailor content and campaigns for maximum impact.
- 3. Embrace Multimedia Content: With the rise in video views on Twitter, marketers should prioritize creating engaging and visually appealing content. Incorporating videos and interactive elements can capture the attention of users and enhance brand visibility in a competitive digital landscape.
Conclusion:
The progress made in reducing child mortality rates is a testament to the advancements in healthcare and the commitment of global communities to save lives. Simultaneously, social media platforms like Twitter continue to evolve and shape how we communicate, consume news, and engage with content. Understanding the common points between these seemingly unrelated topics allows us to appreciate the power of human ingenuity, technology, and the collective effort to create a better future for generations to come.
Resource:
Copy Link