By Jennick Scheerlinck, CEO & Founder, Hoplr

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) have long been used by municipalities and social service agencies to communicate with citizens. While they offer accessibility, concerns over privacy, misinformation, and limited control raise a key question: Are they truly the best fit for public services?

The European Social Network (ESN) brings together social service leaders across Europe, and a key theme is how digital tools can support social services in their mission. Public communication is not just about broadcasting information—it should foster participation, ensure accessibility, and empower local communities. As social service organizations and municipalities rethink their digital strategies, they must consider alternatives that better align with their responsibilities of informing, engaging, and connecting citizens.

The challenges of social media for social services

While social media has its benefits, it also presents structural barriers that hinder effective communication and service delivery:

• Limited Visibility & Control: Algorithms prioritize engagement over relevance, meaning key updates can be drowned out by ads and viral content. Social service providers have no control over how messages are displayed or prioritized.
• Misinformation Risks: Social media amplifies sensational content, making it difficult for accurate updates to compete. This can create confusion around essential services and erode trust in public institutions.
• Superficial Engagement: Quick likes and comments do not facilitate structured participation. Social services require deeper, more meaningful citizen involvement to improve decision-making and outreach.
• Privacy Concerns: Platforms collect and monetize user data, posing compliance risks under European data protection laws (e.g., GDPR). This is particularly problematic for social services handling sensitive information.

A better approach: a secure, ad free and community-driven platform

Municipalities and social services need a purpose-built digital infrastructure designed for public engagement rather than adapting commercial platforms with conflicting priorities. A future-proof digital platform should:

• Ensure Reliable Reach: Critical information should not compete with entertainment-driven content but should reach all citizens, especially vulnerable groups.
• Support Meaningful Participation: Structured tools for consultations and feedback enable communities to shape policies and services actively.
• Offer Privacy & Security: A platform must respect privacy, comply with EU regulations, and remain free from commercial influence.
• Strengthen Local Networks: Unlike social media, which prioritizes global trends, a dedicated platform fosters local collaboration and support.

Hoplr: a safe alternative for municipalities and social services

Hoplr provides a community-focused platform designed to support municipalities and social services in building stronger, more engaged communities. Unlike traditional social media, Hoplr is ad-free, secure, and built for structured citizen participation and local engagement.

With tools that enable municipalities to share updates, gather input, and facilitate community initiatives, Hoplr empowers social services to engage meaningfully with residents. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, it is essential for social services to move beyond social media and adopt platforms that truly serve their mission.

Are you ready to rethink your digital strategy? Discover how Hoplr can help.