Sharks to Participate in #BeLikeableDay
Global Movement to Encourage Acts of Kindness on Social Media
by San Jose Sharks @SanJoseSharks / sjsharks.com
SAN JOSE, CA - The San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) of the National Hockey League announced today that it is participating in #BeLikeableDay, a global movement dedicated to making social media a more positive environment.
Spearheaded by New York Times bestselling author Dave Kerpen and his company Likeable Media, #BeLikeableDay is Tuesday, February 26. In addition to the San Jose Sharks, the movement is being backed by many brands including McGraw-Hill Education, SAP, and Pizza Factory.
The San Jose Sharks will use #BeLikeableDay to share positive news and information via its social media channels including the many year-long, community initiatives in which it participates. Example of these positive impact initiatives include its anti-bullying school assembly program hosted in partnership with Pizza Factory as well as Hockey Is For Everyone, an NHL-wide initiative that uses the game of hockey to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities.
"Using social media to share content and information in a constructive manner is deeply engrained in our team's organizational values," said Jonathan Becher, President of the San Jose Sharks. "We are encouraging employees to use social media to share examples of 'The Golden Rule' - treating others as one's self would wish to be treated - a pioneering principle of our organization."
Researchers have found social media responsible for anxiety, sadness, and depression, with high numbers of users reporting being bullied, harassed, or exposed to sexist and racist hate speech. But, the benefits of kindness have also been proven. Committing acts of kindness can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and increase energy.
"Social media was supposed to enrich our lives and bring us closer, but in recent years, it's grown toxic and divisive," said Kerpen. "In an age when cyberbullying, fake news, and negative headlines dominate, this is our chance, through individual acts of kindness, to collectively change the world. Social media has made it easier than ever to spread hate-but it's just as easy to spread joy."
To join the #BeLikeableDay movement and take back social media, sign the pledge to commit at least one act of kindness on social media on February 26. Whether it's sharing a compliment on Instagram or thanking a friend on Facebook, the goal is to make social media more likeable.