In Howard's book, there was a header titled "Technology Changes; People Don't." Howard argues that there have been many communication revolutions in the past (one major example being the printing press). He states that Hiltz and Turoff were able to predict the impact of social media because of "fundamental social needs" of human beings. Everyone wants to communicate, and although our needs for communication don't change, the tools we use to communicate do.
The people at Twitter had never expected the site to be crucial to the the Iranian protests. But the way the site was built, such as the ease of using hashtags, enabled people to communicate in quick and easy ways they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Protesters were able to communicate their inside views, and outsiders were able to show and express their support. People all over the world were able to connect and communicate with each other without leaving their living rooms.
In chapter 3, Shuen explains the unexpected popularity of Linkedin and Facebook. The websites took off as they allowed people to find, connect with, and share information with people they cared about or wanted to know. Just like with Twitter, people flocked to the sites once they realized the ease of use at which they could communication. Just like the printing press, social media sites like Twitter, Linkedin, and Facebook provided people with new communication tools.
Even the web 2.0 video we watched for homework a few weeks ago demonstrates how our desire to communicate hasn't changed, just the tools we use.
Shuen points out that businesses can learn from these social media sites as far as how to promote communication within their organizations as well as what value there can be sharing even basic information.
No comments:
Post a Comment