I firmly do believe that the loose ties of people that do not really know each other can actually make a positive change in the world. Eat that Gladwell.
Over the past decade from social media’s infancy to where it is now, I have seen plenty of positive social change. From Earth Hour’s Facebook campaign, Occupy Wall Street, to this developing kony2012 movement. All of these positive initiatives could not have had the support and following if it wasn’t for social media. Do you remember seeing the ‘Homeless man with the golden voice’ on Youtube? Soon after that video went viral a TV station brought the homeless man in and gave him a second chance along with reuniting him with his long lost mother. Every news report covered the story! While it may only be one person that was changed in this case our popular friend in the south – Ellen has been doing this type of thing for a while. She would see these videos that went viral and bring them on her show. This would help the individual or group seeking support, or raise awareness for the cause. The question is did Ellen help these people out? Or the power of social media creating a blast of views to the video that made it catch national attention, or world attention in the Kony2012 case.
It’s great to see that some people still have their doubts in social media because I’m not a particular fan of how much it’s used in everyday life and the time it consumes to stay on top of it, but I do see its benefits.
I think that social change from social media is getting better. Social media and the way it’s received are still only at the tip of the iceberg. I do know that there is still plenty to go for understanding how we can harness it for good but right now viral Youtube videos may be the best thing.
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