We’ve all come across the “Kony 2012/Invisible Children” campaign on the Internet over the past week.

Without getting into the legitimacy of the cause or the intentions of the minds behind it, let’s think about the affects – the fact that millions have shown such enthusiasm in seeking positive change, global development, simply through info shared in a 30 minute video, which has become the most talked about viral video.

The message was spread so quickly and effectively, it was able to bring millions of people around the world together to connect and as put in the video, “turn the system upside down”, giving “the people of the world” the power.

social networking utilities + people + idea = a new world

Reflection questions:
Do you feel this change has been gradual?
How will it affect how we communicate from now on?
How will it affect marketing/how businesses engage with customers?

[Added: May 1, 2012]
I received quite a bit on feedback on this post. Many assumed that I believe it and support the cause. I don’t. But, that wasn’t the point. If you thought it was a scam, you were probably right.

The intended message of my post was to ask ourselves: Do you believe that Kony would be equally “famous” if it was 1990, when many of us were typing with one finger and the only active website on the internet was, pretty much, http://www.yahoo.com? Technology has come a long way and it’s developing so rapidly. Why not appreciate being a part of this development instead?

Also, to clarify my perspective is that of an entrepreneur. I wanted to show appreciation for the proliferation of effective, “new” marketing vehicles that are available to us and the potential benefits for a business. Many existing businesses are aware of the existence of social media utilities and the power of video, but are clueless on how to capitalize on them. Government departments and large corperationss have been spending large amounts of funds, bringing in consultants to try to understand Facebook, Twitter, and viral videos. When really, even the (self-proclaimed) “social media gurus” have no clue. No one actually has a clue.

It’s unbelievable, considering how new social media is, people expect it to tackle complex issues. Perhaps not a game-changer yet, but let’s not forget this social media thing isn’t even five years old. Not that long ago Facebook was seen as a procrastination tool for high-schoolers, and now expected to improve all bad things in the world!

Cheers,
Esha

Copyright © Esha Abrol. Canada. March 2012