The Power of your Profile Picture

Brandie Broihier | @BrandieNic When I assigned myself this blog, my intention was to solely focus on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. Autism Speaks and other autism organizations team up to spread awareness by getting as many national and international monuments, small businesses, and individuals to display blue light bulbs on their buildings.

Since we are a social media company, I was also planning to show how individuals affected by autism use their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures as a place to publicly display their participation, using the following image:

But what happened on Facebook this week changed my mind. I was reminded of how powerful a message can be via social media. This blog isn't meant to comment on the issue at hand, but rather the incredible reach a message can have when a movement as simple as changing your profile picture goes viral.

This week, you may have noticed your Facebook feed became very red with equal signs everywhere. This viral message was a way to show support of the Human Rights Campaign as the Supreme Court began to hear arguments on California's Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban. Facebook released numbers indicating that the top buzzword was "equality" - showing that this simple movement affected millions.

Brands got in on the action:

Regardless of your personal feelings, this week proved once again that social media is an incredibly powerful tool for individuals, causes, brands, and more. From all of us here at SMD, enjoy your Easter weekend and remember to Light It Up Blue on April 2nd!