Battling Human Trafficking: How Social Media Advertising Influences Awareness

Authors

• Cami Dobson, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Addyson Jones, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Giovanni Gioia, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Alexandra Boveil, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

ADV

Course Number

3008

Faculty/Instructor

Christine Hanlon

Faculty/Instructor Email

hanlon@ucf.edu

About the Author

Hello! My name is Cami Dobson and I'm an Advertising/Public Relations student. Alongside Alexandra Boveil, Giovanni Gioia, and Addyson Jones, we created an ad campaign in our Principles of Advertising class this semester.

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

In our Principles of Advertising class, our group analyzed an anti-human trafficking non-profit organization, The Lifeboat Project, to create an ad campaign. Specifically, we focused on how to utilize social media in order to reach a target demographic. The Lifeboat Project aims to raise awareness on human trafficking, while also supporting victims through their resources. The purpose of our project was to promote the organization's goal of visibility and prevention tools.

First, we developed our target audience, and created a target persona. We conducted research on the organization and competitors. Using this information, we constructed survey questions, and distributed them to college students on campus. Finally, using all the information we gained, in our studies, brand research, and data, we created mock social media posts the organization could use to improve outreach. During the project, as a group, we learned the collaborative work it takes to develop an ad campaign and how to best reach a target demographic, while working to support a nonprofit organization.

Keywords

Human Trafficking; Social Media; Advertising; Target Persona; Target Audience; Survey; Trends; Awareness; The Lifeboat Project

Recommended Citation

Dobson, Cami; Jones, Addyson; Gioia, Giovanni; and Boveil, Alexandra, "Battling Human Trafficking: How Social Media Advertising Influences Awareness" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 52.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/52