7 Billion- How the Typical is Changing (Revision)

I have understood the population explosion intellectually for a long time. I came to understand it emotionally one stinking hot night in Delhi a couple of years ago… The temperature was well over 100, and the air was a haze of dust and smoke. The streets seemed alive with people. People eating, people washing, people sleeping. People visiting, arguing, and screaming. People thrusting their hands through the taxi window, begging. People defecating and urinating. People clinging to buses. People herding animals. People, people, people, people. —Paul Ehrlich

I first posted on this topic on March 5, 2011 and out of all of my blog posts thus far I was most interested by the contents on which that particular post focused. In a world of 7 billion people we all have ideals of what the "typical" person looks like, acts like, partakes in and this is all shaped through our experiences and how we our brought up.

On the contrary, at least in my case, the way we view the "typical" is a far-fetched dream. National Geographic has embarked on an adventure to discover and explore what the World's typical will be like by the year 2030. National Geographic and their current interest in the 7 billion has served to open up the eyes, and even shock people about how the world really functions and looks like.

My sister introduced me to this content and I found it intriguing. She recieved this video through her email and between the two of us it has circulated quite a bit. So here it is, see for yourself if you get as hooked as I did...



The perception of the world that many of us hold is drastically different from the way that it actually is and since the world's population is continually changing and growing we need to keep our minds open to the "typical" what it is progressing towards. The cushy life that I have led in the United States has shielded me from the things in this world that aren't particularly pleasant or has persuaded me to believe that, for example most people in the world have bank accounts. I think this is why National Geographic put so much interest into this topic, to open people up to the reality of the world around them.

Social networking is intertwined into this year-long story by National Geographic in the sense that they both allow for an opportunity to bridge the gap between people and to lessen stereotypes and misconceptions among people. The use of social networking sites is allowing people from all countries and walks of life to connect with one another and help them to understand the differences that exist between them. The connections that people are making through these sites present them with opportunities to overcome stereotypes and to support one another in confrontations that exist independent of you and you friends, for instance with the revolution in Egypt.

The National Geographic story is still progressing, and although you need a subscription to view all of the articles (which sadly I cannot put my college student finances into) you can check out the website and filter through the photos by Randy Olson. This story is going to have an effect on people just as social networking has. I truly believe that something this insightful will make a difference in the lives of people around the world, especially through the help of social networking (like this blog)!

"The Human Network"

The thing that I would like to focus on from this week's readings is Brian Solis' chapter on the "Human Network". According to Solis, "the Human Network is representative of the connections that link us to one another across multiple social networks". This concept made me reflect on a video that we watched and discussed in my social media for PR class last week concerning How Kevin Bacon Cured Cancer.

Basically what this video discussed is that anyone in the world can be connected to anyone else in the world in a matter of six steps. A mere six connections can bring two complete strangers together.

The human network is a little more specific though because it refers specifically to social networking online, rather than the direct person to person networking. This concept is inspiring because it shows how one thing can be spread throughout the Internet through connections. A very simple example of this in my mind is how a newspaper may tweet some information, multiple people will RT or comment, some that RT may link it to Facebook, people will comment it there and so on.

This concept stood out to me as something in particular that I could easily relate to and see happen (not that the other ideas in the book aren't accessible)!

"The Era of Now": Affecting Types of Social Media

This week I am focusing on chapters 12 through 18 of Engage! by Brian Solis. The section that I found particularly interesting regarded the concept of information finding you rather than you having to go and fetch it yourself. Solis brings in the concept that "The era of 'now' is fueling new media," and by this he is asserting that because we are being more and more conditioned to expect instantaneous news or information, social media sites are becoming more equipped to give it to us. It only makes sense that social media/networking sites would be the place to go for such "now" information. Solis' idea of the "statusphere" makes this "now" information structure between people and social media more concrete because it allows for people to post information as they see fit as often as they might like and in addition it is available to everyone-there is a WARNING label associated with this though and that is by all mean not everything posted is going to be relevant or even true. Overall though the concept is in place that information is at our hands and is only going to become more so.

While I was reading this I was reminded of an article that I posted about earlier this week concerning the Department of Homeland Security and their steps to make alert systems more accessible to the general public. Through various types of social media information is readily available at our fingertips. The Department of Homeland Security, if you didn't read the post (which you should), is eliminating their color-coded security alert system which I'm sure we are all aware of when it comes to flying and are implementing a system that alerts people via posts on Facebook and Twitter.

In addition, in class we've discussed that concept pretty thoroughly when it comes to PR. Basically social media allows for companies to collect data on itself or clients without having to go out and search for it. Sites like Google Reader or Yahoo Pipes will do all the work and all you have to do is sit back and wait for the information to flow in. The "now" era has provided us with the capability to get information with ease and this is only going to continue to progress in the future.

How Types of Social Media are Aiding Homeland Security

According to a post on PCWorld by Ian Paul the Department of Homeland Security is doing away with it's current color-oriented terror alert system and taking up with social networking site to alert the public about threat levels. As the article mentions this can take place as soon as April 27th. Basically what this would entail is two levels of threat- elevated and imminent that would be distributed through posts on Facebook or Twitter. The point of this change is to ensure that the public is informed when threats appear. Ever since September 11 I think everyone can agree that the level of paranoia amongst the American people has spiked considerably and this change makes it more convenient and accessible for all people to be aware of any potential threats to the United States. Secretary Napolitano stated that the old way of alerting the public with colors would be dismissed and "In its place, we will implement a new system that's built on a clear and simple premise: When a threat develops that could impact you -- the public -- we will tell you."

Now if it wasn't clear enough even the government is jumping on to the social networking bandwagon. There is such a growing presence of people Online that it only makes sense that distributors of crucial information would be moving their main efforts to the Internet. I think the goal of the Department of Homeland Security has always been to reach the people to whom the alerts concern and the fact that they are throwing out an old system and coming up with a more interactive one shows their commitment to keeping the public informed. This new system will give them new capabilities in getting warning alerts across and I think will ultimately aid the way that they are viewed in the American peoples minds.

Need Help Getting Noticed?

Week 11 readings were chapters 6-12 of Engage by Brian Solis. The chapters all discuss different variants of social media and how it is effectively used for instance with micro-blogs or syndicating a network. The chapter that I would really like to focus on for this particular blog post is chapter 9 and social media optimization to be more precise.

Social media optimization (SMO) is something that hits home. As an individual not necessarily new to social media but new to the blogging world SMO is something that is proving to a new challenge. In class we have discussed the concept of search engine optimization and Solis explains SMO in terms of it being "The New SEO". Solis refers to social media optimization as "the deliberate acts of aligning keywords with social objects to improve the association of your content with the individuals performing the search within a specific social network as well as traditional searches and also real-time/social search engines". In more laymen terms I would characterize SMO as basically working in tags, keywords, titles, etc  strategically so that your blog/webpage shows up high in search results.

The way that you describe, title, tag, link, and provide the content of your blog or webpage is crucial in getting noticed. I think if you want to master SMO you need to view as a strategy through and through. You need to constantly be keeping up with cleverly arranging your content so that it works to your advantage and I for one will be doing my best to actively work my blog so that I come up on searches. 

Constant Forums of Learning

In chapters 3-6 of Engage, Brian Solis introduces the concept that "We are forever students of new media" to reinforce that we have to constantly be open to and realize that social media is going to be constantly changing and evolving. In addition, that we need to be able to learn about and interact within multiple forums of media.

In chapter 3, Solis discusses how we need to pay careful attention to the definition of social media as well as words associated with it so that they do not get overused and thus lose their meaning. I had never given this much thought but it makes perfect sense that the frequency which people refer to social media with would allow for misinterpretations and overall mutation of what it and words and phrases associated mean. There are many instances of words changing in meaning because of frequent misuse and we need to be weary of this in terms of social media because it can lead to misunderstanding.

Chapters 4 and 5 introduce how we preside in a time of the "next Web" and the risks and implications. As I'm sure we're all aware, there are numerous examples of companies that have misused as well as successfully navigated the "next web" (blogs, podcasts, wikis, and virtual worlds). Solis gives an example of Southwest Airlines cleverly naming their blog "Nuts about Southwest". One implication may be viewed both positively and negatively; The fact that anyone and everyone has the opportunity to comment on company posts, podcasts, or wikis.

Lastly, chapter 6 discusses the dedication of social networks to multimedia, and the point that I found most interesting the social media press release (SMR). I put the term into the search bar on Google and multiple results about how to build a SMR came up. I found this interesting because as I have mentioned in previous posts social media is becoming incredibly interactive and instructive as well.

Engage thus far has served as a valuable resource because it presents social media in a way that encourages new and fresh ways of looking into it. I look forward to learning more!

Checking-In Made Easier

If you're Facebook active checking in for your flight has just gotten a lot more convenient! Delta Airlines has added a Check-In  feature on their Facebook page. I for one was happy when I heard this news but also a little bummed because I tend to fly cheaper alternatives such as Southwest Airlines.

Talking from my own experience, with Southwest at least, check in is always an added stress to the already stressful act of flying. On many occasions I have stayed up until midnight just waiting for the check in service to open on the airline website so that I wouldn't have to board last. Although this sounds trivial I know I can't be the only one that puts a lot of weight on the check in process. I figure it is only a matter of time until all the other major airlines start hopping on the Facebook bandwagon when it comes to checking-in.

Delta had the right idea by making the check-in process that much more convenient and soon enough other airlines aren't going to be able to afford not doing the same thing. I for one went on to Delta's website after I read the article to see if I could handle the prices for the mere satisfaction of checking in on Facebook (unfortunately I think I'm going to stick with my original plans for my next trip, but that's not until December so who knows Southwest might have these capabilities too).

I think that it is great that major companies are adapting and realizing how effective their services can  be in regards to social networking. It is definitely a big transition but I think one in the right direction since patterns seem to be leaning towards the advancement of social networking and media

Let's Engage

This past week in class we started a new book! The book is Engage by Brian Solis. The first two chapters look into how companies must "Engage or Die" and how large the numbers of users there are Online. The concept behind the first two chapter lies with the idea that the number of users Online is not only huge but it is also growing, so if your company is not engaging and using the Internet as a viable source it is going to get left behind.

In reference to my parents company, Allied Advertising, once again I can see how their lack of involvement and engagement is slowly but surely hurting them. I recently offered to set them up Online and my dad expressed how he feels the necessity of such action. My parents I wouldn't say are exactly tech-savvy and so it says something that even they are aware of how important it is to engage Online.

Times are changing and the world is focusing their attentions to social media and networking even in terms of business. Recently, I have noticed people making Twitter handles for the purpose of finding a job as well as handles used to help people make Online resumes to find jobs. The Online resume is one that is in my opinion at least going to become essential in the near future. It is really becoming a matter of "Engage or Die" because everything is revolving in the Online arena.

Engaging and Support Yourself

Chapters 7  and 8 of Groundswell discussed how to energize and help the Groundswell support itself. Both of these chapters went into examples of how the people using your product can energize your product through the Groundswell for you and in addition how simply setting up networks for people to communicate in can establish ways for for the Groundswell to support itself.

Let's first look into energizing the Groundswell. The example the chapter gave an example of how a customer of eBags who would talk endlessly about how great the product is to anyone who was willing to listen. In this case, energizing the Groundswell is representative of people talking about the products and through this the companies do not have to spend any money to get their message across.

As for the helping the Groundswell to support itself, the chapter set up an example of how hospitals have Care Pages which allow for patients to communicate with their loved ones and get support without having to be overwhelmed by constant phone calls or visits. By setting up pages or forums for people to communicate with each other allows for the Groundswell to take off.

In my opinion many companies are helping the Groundswell by setting up User Reviews on their websites. I know I for one am always looking at the reviews for clothes and other items before purchasing and these reviews sort of set up a little community of people looking for good quality products. I have a tendency to Online shop and these reviews really get me to interact with others about certain products that I'm looking to purchase. Granted, this is n't necessarily the best example but I think it gives a basic outlook on how companies are helping the Groundswell to support itself.