Social Media: Creating a new generation of online do-gooders; or is it all talk no action?

         The article ‘Small Change’ by Malcom Gladwell is one of comparison; on one hand we hear of the constant benefits of the new digital age, on the other hand we here of the successes of the yesteryear and some critiques of the use of social media. Social media can be an incredible force at times; humans are more productive in a setting that facilitates the flow of ideas. “Our acquaintances—not our friends—are our greatest source of new ideas and information.” Social media is continuously expanded; it allows an even playing field for all those who contribute, removes the hierarchy structure seen in most organizations and ultimately empowers those who may not normally have a voice.  For this reason, Twitter was considered being nominated as a Nobel Peace prize winner for its effects in conflicts like the 2009 civilian uprising against the communist Moldovan government.

      Some of the critiques against social media are questioning if whether or not they are getting to the bottom line. The term digital divide can also be applied in this situation. Many of the social issues at hand are in some of the least developed countries on earth, this means those most affected by the situation are the least likely to have the technological access and to benefit from this type of assistance. As mentioned in the article, those who were fighting for democracy in Iran, were not the one using twitter, it was outsiders who were tweeting in English trying to make a difference. Unfortunately, again due to the digital divide and the fact that most residence only speak Farsi – a tweet of this nature would not end up carrying much weight. People often incorrectly think they can sit at their computer all day liking pages on Facebook and they will be making the world a better place. Lastly, some companies are aware of this and are potentially using it to their advantage. In an article by ‘Business Day’ an Australian journal speaks of the how the company Kia, they offered to feed a family in Sudan for a day based on every like they received – an idea that seemed innocent enough. Many visitors to the site were outraged that Kia would be blackmailing clients for likes on Facebook especially since they were planning on donating a set amount anyway.