How Powerful are Social Networks?

Instead of filling your computer screen with mindless babble about how social networks are a “force to be reckoned with,” I decided to put together a nifty little list so you can forge your own opinion on the true power of social media.   Now, I won’t be comparing the impact of social networking to the likes of major world wars or huge political uprisings, but that doesn’t mean this medium hasn’t and isn’t on the verge of participating in both those areas.  If you’re the person that still thinks the sum total of social networking is centered around letting people know what you had for breakfast, then below is a list just for you.   Make no mistake about it, not only is social networking here to stay, but it’s here to make a difference as well, the question is simply what kind of difference that will be.

Business

Ford hand selected the individuals, individuals like Derek Johnson.   Derek is the CEO of Tatango and an up and rising social media star.   The hope was that these tech savvy recipients would share their experience of the Fiesta through social network channels such as Facebook and Twitter.

Healthcare

There are two stories here that highlight the real difference this site is making as a social network.   The first is the human to human connection.   Some of the diseases listed on the site are not necessarily common diseases.   However, the vast number of connections that social media allows has created an avenue for members with rare illnesses to share with one another.   The sick no longer feel alone in their suffering and, from a purely humanitarian standpoint, their life has been improved by this amazing technology.

Environment

Instead of a lone researcher tasked with skimming the shores for spill affected animals, social networking makes crowd sourcing of research a viable option.   The general public has an opportunity to help with the efforts, no longer lone researchers, but instead a massive, connected, data collecting force.   Individuals who would have otherwise felt like helpless bystanders to the harmful impacts in their community are now given both a voice and a role.   As participants in the restoration effort, those effected begin to help themselves, a necessary step in any rebuilding process.

Politics and Government

Major news organizations and world governments began following average Iranian citizens on Twitter, hoping to better understand the social climate within the country.  At one point, Twitter was asked by the US State Department to postpone a scheduled update as the maintenance would have made Twitter’s services temporarily unavailable  to the Iranian people.  Twitter agreed, in effect making a statement on the resourcefulness of their utility as a viable social activist tool.

Personal Lives

It’s the opinion of some people that the relationships and interactions via social media lack “depth,” like conversing with a passerby on a sidewalk.   However, while these communications may be short and sometimes appear simple, does this mean they aren’t meaningful?  Absolutely not. Read more at thegiveproject.com