News Release
Social Media Activist Collin Kartchner to Speak at Forum
Collin Kartchner will speak at Southern Virginia University at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 5th, 2018. Kartchner is a videographer-turned-activist whose mission is to educate teens and parents about the dangers of social media.
Kartchner uses social media to raise awareness about the destructive potential of social media, as well as raise money for philanthropic causes like hurricane relief and children with cancer. He is a sought-after presenter and recently spoke at TedxSaltLakeCity on Sept. 8. He provides resources about media wellness for both young people and parents on his website, Savethekids.us.
A successful videographer, Collin has filmed for Rachel Ray and Mormon.org and is also the founder of marketing company Tooth Media + Vibrant Living.
Kartchner took on a new mission earlier this year when a friend spoke with him about her daughter, who had recently taken her own life. According to the Salt Lake Tribune, Kartchner’s friend felt that her daughter’s depression and addictions were a result of social media bullying in middle school.
Using social media, Kartchner raised money to promote awareness about the problem. Followers contributed $3,000 in 10 minutes and Kartchner bought three billboards ‘In memory of Whitney,’ with the printed phrases “You are Loved” and “You are Beautiful.”
Kartchner has created social media movements such as #thisisme, which encourages social media influences and uses to be authentic, and #deletesnapchat, which encouraged Snapchat users to delete the popular photo-messaging app in May 2018.
“Smartphones and social media are our generations’ cigarettes. Kartchner said in an article he guest wrote for The Deseret News. “Sure, when they came out, everyone loved them and even doctors endorsed them. But then the research started coming out, and we all finally realized these tiny hand-size products marketed to us as feel-good necessities, were in fact terrible, terrible things. Restrictions were created to protect the developing minds of children, and lives were saved. Will smartphones be next?”