This post is dedicated to Margot. Following a wee chat we had on Twitter, I felt compelled to write about the role of social media in changing the world – from my perspective.
The conversation started with a quip I made about Klout. I had commented that it really doesn’t mean that much (what the hell does a score of 45 actually mean???) But I thought about it a bit more. And it can be something that helps you keep track of what you want to achieve.
Like many people, I want to change the world. I want to make this world a better place. And “better” of course always means better from my perspective. I want to change the world to one where love, respect and integrity take precedence over greed, self-aggrandisement and hatred.
And to do that, I need to influence people. I need to have my message spread. Maybe that sounds a little evangelistic. Maybe it is. But if I want to make a difference, I need to make a difference in people’s lives.
One thing I do know – social media has changed my life forever. It has brought some amazing people into my life. It has allowed me to express myself in ways I never thought possible. It has made me feel part of something. Something big. Something important. It has given me an outlet for love I never thought possible. And all of this originated from just a couple of people I happened upon in discussion groups.
And it strikes me – if these few people, in a chance encounter, can be the trigger for me to become who I am now, I know that my actions can change other people’s lives. And those people can then move on and do the same to others.
It is really amazing. My SM friends have an age range from 13 (honestly it isn’t as bad as it sounds) to 75 (Ruth Buzzi). Ruth is an amazing woman who seems to have forgotten the meaning of retirement. She says she is a retired comedic actor. But I reckon she is being funny on the side. Probably unlicensed. But that’s part of what makes her so damned funny. Not to mention her incredible political acerbic commentary. Love you Ruthie!
The 13 year old kid from California goes by the handle St0p_Bullying. Here is a kid who has been bullied himself, but has risen above it. He has a strong desire to help others make it through, and to simply be there to support others. Here is a kid who saves lives.
What is my point in all this? Social media has an important role to play in our ability to change our world. Once upon a time, we could really only influence the things we saw. Now, we have a whole world in front of us.
Anyway, this was just a quickie post while I get me shit together and write something on World War 3. Stay tuned, folks.
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