Notes from “How Social Networks Are Killing the Revolution”
15 March 2009 | Posted by Jeffrey Barke | No comments
How Social Networks Are Killing the Revolution
Social networking sites today do as much for real world action as paint on the walls does for the structural integrity of your home. Come discuss how we are creating a false majority-view mentality and how to overcome this to achieve large scale change in the world.
- Steve Swedler, Chief Prod Guy, Gangplank
- Jeremy Tanner, @Penguin
- Todd Huffman, Nucleator, BIL Conference
- Shannon Paul, New Media, Detroit Red Wings
What is the "revolution"?
Any type of change you want to see happen in the real world.
What is "friendship" online?
Three types of online friends:
- Familiar: People you already know.
- Validating: Seek out people on internet who validate your opinion.
- False: Spammers.
Validating can be the most dangerous, because it can lead to complacency. So much noise in validating network, may believe something is actually happening.
Why doesn’t it translate?
* False-majority view (sampling bias)
* Bigger silos (validating groups)
* Noise != action (anonymous)
Anecdote about Anonymous and the Scientology action. None of the Scientologists even knew about Anonymous.
What about Change.org? Smaller, specialized networks. Highly specialized, intentional networks. Attract people who are already committed to action.
Can we do better?
* Feedback
* Redefine social network retro
* Mobile
* Making the message actionable
Tools can be used, but David Armano example. Had the social capital. Made it personal. Rare event—doesn't ask for help often.
How to move people from discussion to action, in response to greeblemonkey.
Download and checkout the Obama iPhone app. Even though the election is over, it is amazing.
Creating feedback loop. This is a place where social networks can play a role in feedback and transparency.
The mobile Web has connected more of the world than the traditional Web.
In terms of redefine social network retro, use the phone, what about meetup.com? Seems like a useful tool for facilitating real world action.
(Someone asked it. Panel feels tools are a bit clumsy.)
The more human we can get online, the better our ability to effect change. Smaller, more applicable and relatable.
Questioner works for PETA and uses the power of their social networks to get people to stop selling fur.
It's a conversation, not direct mail. Don't just send them stuff.
Hmm… ultimate analysis: Only panel I wouldn't recommend. Posting because I was there, but not sure it's worth listening to the audio or reading the notes. I don't feel like I learned anything actionable; I mean, I guess the only thing I really learned was the obvious fact that if you think you're going to change the world via a Facebook group, it hain't going to happen.
