Why Would We Think Social Media Is Revolutionary? – Clay Shirky
TL;DR
What can you do? Pick something you care about, and learn about it. Use that knowledge to inform others.
“Join hands around the muslims in this country, stop hateful political grandstanding.”
Social media tools are not just a utilitarian way of getting the word out, they are also a divide between generations. They provide a narrative for the current generation to produce change.
The revolutions which are happening now are the end of a long process, not a new process. The Kefaya movement started in 2004, using blogs to coordinate efforts. But what happens when the long game is not there? People don’t know who to trust.
What people really want is a more responsive government. (Karin’s note: I have heard this repeated again and again – the cry isn’t for “democracy” per se, but a government who will listen to the people. Sometimes democracies don’t even seem to have that.) Feminism correlates strongly with attempts to make government more responsive.
Totalitarian governments are running into a problem – in order for economies to be competitive, people need to be informed. Everyone with a cell phone. But that gives people a way to organize. They can synchronize, coordinate, and document, as well as share.
What can we do?
Pay attention! Pick an area you care about and learn about it. Bloggers, tweeters, etc who can make informed decisions about what to repeat are valuable. They can add context and explain.
Help out. Example: Egyptian linux users group shared information with other linux user’s groups. Share expertise, experience.
Finally, Clay showed a picture of the Christian Egyptians holding hands to protest the muslims praying. We can do that. Join hands around the muslims in this country, stop hateful political grandstanding.