If the political upheaval in Egypt has taught us one thing, it’s that social media now has incredible power to influence. But is that power becoming too dangerous?
History has shown us that giving too much power to a single voice can be VERY dangerous. One need only look to Hitler, Moa Zedong, Idi Amin, and a host of other incidental dictators for proof that giving one voice too wide a birth can sink an entire nation.
Now it’s happening in Egypt, only this time the corrupting nature of power has shifted from the ruler to his subjects. And the consequences appear to be the same—the bringing down of a nation. Regardless of where you fall on the issue of Mubarak and Egypt, we need to ask ourselves if the technological advances we seek, in an effort to better our lives, are actually having the opposite affect?
Let’s incorporate the business end of things into this argument. You might consider a “brand” a company’s voice. A well-promoted brand has the power to influence our opinions to the point that the brand’s “opinion” of things becomes the opinion we adopt and then share with others. It has the potential, as in politics, to go viral and that can be dangerous because it may not be entirely true. We’ve only been led to believe that it’s true.
The same holds true for one customer’s opinion that goes viral. It may or may not be true, but it’s out there and has incredible power to influence. If positive, that opinion or voice can be of great benefit to a company. If negative, that opinion or voice now, with the advent of social media, has the power to destroy a company. But that is the nature of sales…and we are ALL selling something, whether promoting our opinion, ideals, or our brand.
It would seem, therefore, that there comes a point in the development of a product or ideal where we exceed our ability to use it responsibly. In other words, the product or ideal takes on a power to corrupt, as well as to save. For instance, we could say that the nuclear bomb has been both a saving and corrupting development. In order to save, it has to kill or threaten to kill. In the case of social media, we are now witnessing its true power, both to save and to destroy. Social media has blessed us with the ability to connect with family, friends, and customers like never before. But it wields a terrible curse as well. Social media is not unlike a nuclear bomb. The one who holds the launch keys holds all of the power.
Thus, it all comes down to the human element once again. No technology can breathe on its own. A human being must be involved at some point. Yes, we must maintain freedom of speech and thought, but no matter where technology leads us, we will always have a responsibility to each other to act responsibly in its use.
Very good point April! It is scary knowing what people can do to someone’s reputation or worse through misinformation and lies via the Internet; more importantly social media. As a society we must become more aware of this and better equipped to properly research for the truth or to hold judgement. Again, great post…scary but true!
I just want to mention I’m newbie to weblog and honestly enjoyed this web-site. Very likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You surely come with outstanding stories. Many thanks for sharing your web site.
When are you going to post again? You really inform a lot of people!
Nice post ! Cheers for, writing on my blog page dude. I will email you soon. I didnt realise that!
Pretty part of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to say that I acquire in fact loved account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I success you access consistently quickly.
I Will have to return again whenever my course load lets up – nevertheless I am taking your Rss feed so i could go through your blog offline. Cheers.
The design for the site is a tad off in Epiphany. Even So I like your site. I might need to use a normal browser just to enjoy it.
I went more than this web site and I believe you’ve got a lot of amazing data, saved to favorites (:.
A fascinating argument regarding casino and betting agencies is worth to comment. I do think that you need to publish more on this issue, it may not be a taboo matter but usually people don’t discuss such subjects.Casino online gambling it certainly is the most respected and safe way to place your bets in these days. The bonus deals and special offers are often an appealing solution for online poker. Most people will likely never find all these possibilities in any traditional casino.
Im getting a browser error, is anyone else?
I enjoy your wordpress template, where did you get a hold of it?
If you could email me with any hints about how you made your site look this good, Id be appreciative.
Nice post ! Thank you for, posting on my blog page dude! Ill email you soon! I didnt realise that!
Do you have a spam problem on this website; I also am a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to trade strategies with others, be sure to shoot me an email if interested.
As soon as I at first left a comment I clicked on the Notify me when new comments are added checkbox and currently every time a comment is added I receive four messages with the exact same comment.
very valuable stuff, in general I imagine this is worthy of a bookmark, thank you
Wanted to drop a comment and let you know your Feed isnt functioning today. I tried adding it to my Yahoo reader account and got absolutely nothing.
This blog is extremely good! How can I make one like this !
Im getting a tiny issue. I cant get my reader to pick-up your rss feed, Im using yahoo reader by the way.
I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also go to see this weblog on regular basis to obtain updated from latest reports.
I precisely had to thank you so much again. I’m not certain the things I might have achieved without the actual strategies shown by you concerning that theme. It has been a depressing concern in my opinion, however , coming across this well-written mode you resolved that forced me to leap with happiness. I am just grateful for your assistance and as well , have high hopes you recognize what a great job you happen to be carrying out instructing people thru a site. I am sure you have never encountered all of us.
The look for your website is a little bit off in Epiphany. Even So I like your web site. I may have to use a normal browser just to enjoy it.
Re: The person who made the comment that this was a good internet site truly needs to have their brain reviewed.
100% natural solution in order to an under active thyroid & being pregnant difficulties. If you’re concerned about the unborn babys health here is the remedy for you
Oh man! This website is cool. How did you make it look this good .
Easy Methods To Grow Strong And Also Healthy Hair
I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website 🙂
Mira Locks Oil Scam — Does This Product Surpass Its Claims