National Parks on Social Media: Instagramable Beauty Meets Shutdown Reality
Throughout my social media search, I decided that it was time to find a deeper understanding of one of my real-life passions outside of the classroom. I decided that I would track the conversations about National Parks across all social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and a variety of news sources. When I honed specifically on this topic, I saw that there was a clear divide in the content. The content was either filled with pure beauty or content that has a lot of political undertones, urging people to get educated on the federal government shutdown and how it is impacting the parks (in relation to funding gaps, overworked rangers, and everyday operations becoming messy). I care deeply about nature and grew up camping, which means I spent a lot of my youth outdoors, yet I am also intrigued by the policy side and feel that now is a very important time to get involved in politics and understand how the government is run. This topic was a perfect collaboration of my two interests and how social media impacts the modern age and our everyday lives.
When researching, I noticed a lot of hashtags that relate to this topic and that I personally connected with, such as #roadtrip, #nationalparks, #findyourpark, #girlswhotravel, #pnw, #mtrainier, #yellowstone, #grandtetonnationalpark, #glaciernationalpark, and #hiking. An influencer who originally got me interested in nature and the conversation around it is Lexi Hidalgo. She is a lifestyle influencer who is very passionate about politics and talks a lot about our national parks. I got into her videos initially because she talks about relevant topics in a manner that is positive. She has a lot of lifestyle content that is very aesthetically appealing, and she brings a sense of excitement to life. She uses her social media platforms to advocate for causes that are worthwhile. Even though influencers usually cannot make changes to policies we have in place, they can do their part and light the fire beneath important conversations. Her social media is linked here.
https://www.tiktok.com/@lexxhidalgo?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/lexxhidalgo/?hl=en
A New Form of News
Recent trends show that short-form media that is relayed over social platforms works the best to inform young audiences about issues that are relevant. An example I liked was a clip posted on Facebook by an MSNBC reporter, filmed in the Everglades, that showed how short, quick, narrative-based pieces can deliver all the facts needed to readers. MSNBC Reporter Video Reports like this catch the attention of younger audiences and are more accessible because they end up on the feed of many people. Something that is also relevant is Instagram graphics that provide information on topics. Parks Project (an organization that supports underfunded organizations working to preserve and protect public lands across the U.S.) has a variety of posts that can help to educate people on issues relating to the parks in a digestible manner via Instagram. Example: Parks Project Instagram Post
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPRz6xzgaON/?hl=en&img_index=1
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=794124279995314
The politics surrounding national parks are constantly at the forefront of my For You page. With another government shutdown at hand, there is only more for people to say. There are a variety of outlets reporting how information on slavery, climate change, Japanese incarceration, and other history has been removed or altered to shine a positive light on America’s past, which is unethical and has become a major topic online. A video I found that explains what is happening is from CBS Bay Area, which does a good job breaking down how the government’s actions affect the parks and their messages. Here is the video: CBS Bay Area. There is also a cultivation of posts showing the limitations placed on all the parks, which showcase underfunding, understaffing, and overcrowding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLTjHAyyVPw
Conclusion: New Realities at Hand
Even though there is a lot of political talk and constant advocacy, wanderlust still lies at the forefront of national park media. Sunrise looks and road trip reels take over the majority of the media and draw people like myself in. But in this current season of life, operational reality and hard-hitting news are making their way into this stream of media. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) estimates that parks lose $1 million per day in fee spending with the current shutdowns, and tens of millions more are being held up by the federal government. For journalists and storytellers, this is an opportunity to inspire and inform for a better future that keeps America beautiful and healthy.