So what have we learned from the shake-up in Egypt?
I think the most stunning lesson we learned was the power of social networking. If what we now think happened in Egypt is true, it will be revolutionary, literally revolutionary around the world. Wherever there is internet capability there will be the power to organize for a desired purpose; even take down a government.
We have known for a long time the younger generation had tapped into an instantaneous method of sharing information on a world-wide basis. We weren’t concerned about whether it would improve the human condition or not. It was a fun way for kids to stay in touch with one another.
On the surface it has been a little annoying to some of us older folks. We see our young people with a device in their hands seemingly 24-7. What in the world are they doing so much of their time?
Now we know that some of them weren’t just talking about girl friends and boy friends. The implications of this “network” thing are huge when you see the creative ways the technology is being applied. That creativity may spark debate about a need to regulate.
I suspect that governments around the world have been a little nervous about the possible outcomes in their own countries. The ones that now move toward clamping down on internet accessibility and restrict social networking are the ones we should watch because they know they have something to fear.
Where the outcome in Egypt worked out so far on the positive side, the potential could just as easily benefit a disruptive movement in any country for any purpose.
I am not sure how the government will be able to offset the power of social networking to link individuals with ideas from communicating them to others when the desired outcome is harm to our country as we know it today.
This tool is like a nuclear bomb in the hands of a street gang.
No Loss for Words
Bombs in the Hands of Street Gangs
by Steve DanaSo what have we learned from the shake-up in Egypt?
I think the most stunning lesson we learned was the power of social networking. If what we now think happened in Egypt is true, it will be revolutionary, literally revolutionary around the world. Wherever there is internet capability there will be the power to organize for a desired purpose; even take down a government.
We have known for a long time the younger generation had tapped into an instantaneous method of sharing information on a world-wide basis. We weren’t concerned about whether it would improve the human condition or not. It was a fun way for kids to stay in touch with one another.
On the surface it has been a little annoying to some of us older folks. We see our young people with a device in their hands seemingly 24-7. What in the world are they doing so much of their time?
Now we know that some of them weren’t just talking about girl friends and boy friends. The implications of this “network” thing are huge when you see the creative ways the technology is being applied. That creativity may spark debate about a need to regulate.
I suspect that governments around the world have been a little nervous about the possible outcomes in their own countries. The ones that now move toward clamping down on internet accessibility and restrict social networking are the ones we should watch because they know they have something to fear.
Where the outcome in Egypt worked out so far on the positive side, the potential could just as easily benefit a disruptive movement in any country for any purpose.
I am not sure how the government will be able to offset the power of social networking to link individuals with ideas from communicating them to others when the desired outcome is harm to our country as we know it today.
This tool is like a nuclear bomb in the hands of a street gang.
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