Rant and discussion question – internet technology and social media

Dear readers who have subscribed to my blog feed, friended me on Facebook, added me as a connection on LinkedIn, followed my every move on Twitter, watched my videos on Youtube, and looked at my photos on Picasa,

I am absolutely astonished at the development and growth of social media and overall Web 2.0 technology. It really has changed the way we communicate with each other and receive information. It also makes me feel quite old thinking about the archaic programming and limited list of options I had when I first got an internet connection as a teenager in the mid-90’s.

My question is….is all of this REALLY doing anybody any good? Is it actually making a difference in the world and taking it in a positive direction?

I’ll start the discussion (naturally, since this is my blog):

I will admit that Facebook has helped me stay connected to several family members, and I have made new connections with ones that I either hadn’t previously met or spoken to in a long time. Strengthening family connections is always a good thing; nice work, Facebook!

I’m sure many businesses have seen substantial cuts in marketing costs because of all the free advertising platforms available to them through social media sites. Youtube has even penetrated mainstream politics and affected presidential campaigns positively and negatively. Case in point, Barack Obama: his official Youtube page allows you to view videos of his speeches and other campaign stop activities as well as donate to his campaign via Google Checkout. On the other hand, Reverend Wright’s sermons spread like wildfire because of Youtube, which has (insert sarcasm) been a pleasure for Senator Obama to deal with (end sarcasm).

Two notable negatives which have resulted from this technology boom are:

1. Shameless self-promotion at no cost to a substantially larger audience. I’m not talking about corporations, non-profits, entrepreneurs, and others who are taking advantage of the marketing and promotions opportunities. I am specifically addressing people who become famous much more easily because of this technology. If you do something stupid enough or come up with a crazy enough gimmick, then you can quickly gain 15 minutes of fame through viral video marketing, blogging, etc. The gentleman who openly cried and yelled “Leave Britney (Spears) alone!” on a Youtube video viewed by billions has no other reason to be famous other than the sheer ridiculousness and comic value of that rant.

2. The incredible speed of which unimportant information can be disseminated. TMZ.com and other websites like it can give you extremely up to date information on which celebrity received a DUI, which singer shaved her head, which actor went to rehab for a crystal meth/cocaine/heroin/alcohol/Flintstone vitamins addiction, and other such pressing issues that effect our economy, foreign relations, and education system. Way to encourage our need for instant gratification and propensity for being distracted by BS!

To add on to my initial question: how can we use this existing technology to solve major problems faced in today’s world?

This Tuesday, I am attending a seminar in my great city of Philadelphia put on by the local chapter of NetSquared. It is a monthly Net Tuesday meeting, and this seminar is focused on how we can use Web 2.0 technology for social change. I have not seen many real-world examples of this, so I look forward to learning more about it and possibly coming in to work on Wednesday morning full of ideas that can help my company spread our gospel and carry out our mission. I will be sure to direct my unsolicited advice to the proper people with easily digestible, non-threatening packaging.

Friends, Romans, and countrymen who have lent me your ears: how can we use all this neat-o Web 2.0 stuff to make an impact for the betterment of humankind? I would love to hear your feedback; feel free to post comments!

Best regards,
Andy