Everywhere you look these days somebody somewhere is saying something in praise of social media. They talk endlessly about its strengths, its advantages and its many tremendous opportunities it offers to individuals and for groups.
Above and beyond that, they say that social media provide historic opportunity to work for the common good. I recently read an article that talked about how socially aware individuals are using their increased social media connection to address some of the world’s biggest challenges. The article talked about Wikipedia, about global choirs being conducted over YouTube, about coral reefs being crocheted across continents, and crowd-sourced art paying tribute to Jonny Cash. In fact, the possibilities are infinite.
I personally have no problem understanding or celebrating all of these blessed opportunities made available by social media. The capabilities and opportunities offered by the contemporary social media is crystal clear. What isn’t so clear are its potential liabilities for today and tomorrow. While we seek to leverage the advantages provided by social media, we should also work to understand, acknowledge and act proactively to mitigate its potential liabilities. To do otherwise will be foolishness instead of wisdom.
Or maybe we think that social media is a liability neutral capability. What are your thoughts? Please take a moment to chime in.
More later as life unfolds…
Jones
Jones Ofuasia 