The newly released official LDS Pinterest site saw an explosion of use during the recent General Conference.
The church recently expanded its social media presence to Pinterest — one of the fastest-growing social media sites. Pinterest’s social media platform allows users to instantly share images called “pins” with family and friends in a variety of categories.
According to Larry Richman, director of product planning, awareness and evaluation for the LDS Church, on his blog LDS Media, more than 12 million people interact with Pinterest every month.
Simmons, a junior studying English, said she believes the use of posts is an effective way to share the gospel.
“I’ll come across a quote that totally relates to me,” she said. “It’s like a little bit of inspiration in your day.”
The aims of the new official LDS Pinterest account are “Strengthening families. Seeking the good. Following Jesus Christ.”
The new page on Pinterest, launched before the church’s General Women’s meeting on March 29, has released 44 pins to date, but its reach has already spread across the globe.
“It spreads super fast,” said BYU student Breanna Simmons, of Bethlehem, Ga., who said she was on social media during more than half of this April’s conference sessions. “It was exploding, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?’” she said.
Pins travel quickly across the social media sphere and transfer to other mediums like Google+, Facebook and Twitter.
“People re-pin them, so they must be effective,” said Jessica Young, a senior from Vancouver, Wash.
The inspiration from General Conference is engaging audiences who have not previously interacted with Conference addresses. Young said she’s seen some of her friends post pins with quotes from church leaders who are not members of the LDS Church.
“It’s making people more aware who probably wouldn’t stop to watch on television,” Young said.
Holly Anderson, of Palo Alto, Calif., said BYU students should remember the reach of their posts on Pinterest and other social media extend far beyond campus.
“When you share it with your friends, they will repin it,” Anderson said. “It’s a catalyst for other people outside the Provo bubble.”
The sophomore studying early childhood education believes sharing inspirational messages is a worthwhile means for bettering the lives of those around us.
“They may take it worth a grain of salt, but it’s doing our part,” Anderson said.
The church Pinterest account features five categories specifically designed to engage others in casual encounters with the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Family Conversations, Come Follow Me, Ready for Anything, I’m a Mormon and Refrigerator Reminders.
BYU students can invite others to learn about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and share the teachings of Jesus Christ by visiting the official church Pinterest page at www.pinterest.com/ldschurch.
