Baylee's Thoughts on Media

This week I learned about two horrific events happening with two friends I had long ago--one from my mission and one a couple friend of my husband and me. The friend from my mission passed away and the other friend is going through a divorce with her husband of just one year. I was informed of both of these incidents through social media of all places, so it came as a huge shock to me and even though I don't interact with these two on a daily basis, my heart is still heavy at the recent events in their and their family's lives. I hurt for them and I haven't been able to stop thinking about them and the pain they and their families must be going through. However, one great form of strength that my friend experiencing the divorce has mentioned as well as the family of my friend who passed away is social media and the outreach they've felt from hundreds of people. People have commented, DM-ed, sent love, quotes, and support all through the Internet. Because of social medi...

This week I've been noticing the positive aspects of media specifically relating to the fire in Utah. It has been a hardship for many families who have had to evacuate and uproot themselves, unsure of when they'll be able to return to their homes. I know of a young woman who became a new mother just as the fire began--her home was one of the first rounds of evacuations and she has yet to return home since having her first child. What a challenge that would be! Trying to adjust to being a new mother while unable to be in the comfort and safety of your own home.. Well because of media, all of Utah, especially Utah county is aware of the needs and challenges that families are facing with this fire. I saw a post on Instagram from someone mentioning how there has been no one needing to use the evacuation facilities because families are taking other displaced people into their home to provide them a place to stay while the tragedy pursues. Media has been such a tool for creating awa...