Disconnect from Facebook, connect with others

MANILA, Philippines - An estimated 4.5 billion social media users go online to chat with friends or family, to update their statuses, upload photos, or even to play games. Because of the Internet, communication has become easier, faster, and yes, even more exciting. But while billions of people all over the world enjoy the ease, speed and the excitement of social media sites, millions of children and adults don’t get to enjoy Facebook or Twitter, as they have a hard time expressing themselves to others — something the rest of us take for granted.

For those who suffer from autism, both the cyber world and the real one are strange, lonely places indeed. Autism touches every family these days; who doesn’t know someone with an autistic relative?

But today, more than 40 autism charities and a team of celebrities worldwide have banded together to encourage everyone to experience the world in a different way — through the eyes and ears of autistic children, men and women.

On Nov 1, at 12 midnight, everyone is challenged to shut down their networks and disconnect from Facebook and Twitter for a whole day. Called “Communication Shutdown,” the campaign is a global initiative to raise funds and awareness for autism charities in over 40 countries. It’s an admirable crusade that also serves as an experiment on social media habits.

In the Philippines, where about 16 million people log onto their Facebook and Twitter accounts at least once a month, the challenge seems like a difficult one, but the task is something that many are willing to take to heart.

“Most people can’t imagine what life would be without my Facebook or Twitter account!” says Cristina Estampador, project manager of Autism Society of the Philippines. “But then, that’s how life is for those with autism. They aren’t connected to the world — and theirs can be a very small world indeed—the way we take for granted. Disconnecting from my Facebook or Twitter accounts just for one day is a small sacrifice I can make, just to be able to help and support the campaign.”

The “Communication Shutdown” campaign encourages Facebook and Twitter users to make a donation and receive a charity app or (CHAPP) that will signal their support and intention to boycott their accounts on Nov. 1. For a $5 fee at the Communication Shutdown site (www.communicationshutdown.org), the CHAPP will connect with the user’s Facebook and Twitter accounts by placing a shutdown icon over their profile picture.

The user’s profile photo will also be added to the global mosaic of supporters on the Communications Shutdown homepage, where he/she can see his/her photo next to those of celebrities and other people who have committed their support. During Shutdown Day, an automatic message will also show on a user’s feeds to let their networks know that they have disconnected from their accounts for the day.

People who don’t have Twitter or Facebook accounts can also get involved simply by making a donation at the website to receive a screensaver, an email signature, and blog buttons to show that you support the campaign in your website, blogs, or emails. There will also be shutdown graphics and messages that people can use on other social networks such as MySpace, Orkut, or Hyves. Or, you can always open a Facebook or Twitter account just for the campaign!

A world without Internet, Facebook, or Twitter can be hard to imagine, but not for those who suffer from autism.

Join thousands of people in the country and show your support for autism awareness by disconnecting from the rest of the world, for just one day.