During the recent elections, you couldn’t sign on to Facebook or Twitter without reading someone’s opinion on the matter. Before
social media, in order to gather a protest, people would have to hear about it the old fashion way: through word of mouth. Today, some experts argue that social media can cause a revolution, similar to let’s say the civil-rights movement, because it gives activists access to so many people.
Malcolm Gladwell, author of such brilliant books like “Blink” and “The Tipping Point,” wrote an article for The New Yorker exploring the truth behind the relationship between social media and social activist. He offers examples of acts of activism before social media existed and whether or not these small revolutions can form by a few tweeters.
I found the article thought provoking. Gladwell states that social media is based on weak ties, so it’s harder to create a revolution by
reaching out to people who you have weak ties with. Interesting. So how can we create change by using social media? Read the article and you’ll see that we’ll have to customize our approach: a mix of old-fashion tactics and social media.
For any of you looking to make a change in your community or the world, read this article. I hope it inspires you.
xoxo,
Loren
