Social Significance
Observations about the social networks that allow people to connect, network and obtain news are a regular comment of mine. They continue to evolve as opportunities to connect. But what we are finding is that they are becoming an even greater tool for organizing for influence.
An estimated 1.8 million people turned out to see the presidential inauguration in person. What became readily evident was that those involved in organizing the event underestimated the numbers who would come, and as a result there were some ineffective entry point operations a significant number of high-dollar ticket holders were left holding their purple tickets. As many as 10,000 people may have been stuck for a considerable amount of time with the highly valued tickets (what I would call mosh-pit tickets due to the close proximity to the action) were stuck in the tunnel due to some less than adequate entrances (like about 36 inches wide) and some malfunctioning security equipment while other gates let them in at a faster rate.
Nearly immediately with the use of wireless technology the ticket holders began to form a group in Facebook called the “Survivors of the Purple Tunnel of Doom.” Why is this important? In only a couple of days they had 5,000 members. Also because nearly as immediately as they created the group they were able to influence people in high places and created a very public debate and resulted in the people from Capitol police to spend time through this weekend analyzing the mistakes so they could answer the issues raised by congress. You can imagine that after several months of intense planning and preparation that they would have at least had the opportunity for a break. No, they could not take a break because the scrutiny was too intense.
What began as a network to keep abreast of their classmates as people went their separate ways after college has become a significant and important tool for social activism. From this event the light bulb will go off in many people’s minds as to the value of this and many of the other internet based news mediums.
How will we adopt this medium for useful influence? Have you tested these waters yet?
February 9th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Is this instant-reporting a trend or a fad that will eventually burn itself out? Radio and television stations are encouraging citizen reporters to send in updates, but will they be free of bias? What happens during the next major disaster as citizens compete for the most newsworthy photos or updates? Sort of turning the tables on Big Brother….
What challenges will this always-on technology pose for public information officers or fire chiefs? It’s a matter of time before some firefighter texts or takes a phone-picture or a citizen captures a responder doing something he/she wouldn’t want publicized.
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