Everyone knows or has some knowledge of previous revolutions, whether it’s from history class, the history channel, or maybe even stories from relatives of a certain time period. Author Malcom Gladwell argues that social media is build around weak ties and no social change can ever come from it. But look around you, a revolution is happening right before your eyes. It may not be so immediate and in your face, but we’re in a time period that is making history based on social media alone. I recently watched a video via YouTube called “Kony 2012” and although later I discovered certain things about the video and the organization behind it misleading, this viral video brought up many great points and attracted A LOT of attention. Right now in the world there are more people logging onto Facebook, then there were on the planet 200 years ago. Using “Kony 2012” as an example, this video became a trending topic on Twitter over night, made national news the following day, and one can only imagine the donations they’ve since received. Despite the accuracy of the content, this video alone proves that through social media and networking world issues, happenings, and news can be brought to millions of people with a the click of a button. The video “Kony 2012” suggests by bringing something to people’s attention, in a time where “humanity’s greatest desire is to belong and connect, and now we see each other, we hear each other, we share what we love, and it reminds us all what we have in common, and this connection is changing the way the world works.”[1] How can one even argue that no social change can happen through social media when those at the core of dictating change to the masses, the government and political leaders, are marketing themselves through these very means. Therefore, I personally, completely disagree with Gladwell’s accusations.
Note: For those of you who haven't checked out this video, I suggest you do so! Generate an opinion of your own :)
