Social Media: You and Me changing the World; the World changing You and Me.
Whether it has become apparent to you, the world has changed significantly since you were born. That’s a pretty open statement, so let me focus in on the Interpersonal Revolution.
It has indeed become more interpersonal. Just ask the Queen of England. Her family has seen the intrusion of TV and magazines in the 60′s and now with the latest marriage, it has become quite acceptable to foster a connection with the people via the media. I know many Royal families have largely a ceremonial value to their people, but even elected governing figures are having to be more accountable to their voting public, as the media (and I include the social media) cast their attention and reflections over their characters and behaviours.
What I am illustrating is that we are ALL being made accountable for our actions and beliefs. People are speaking their minds and confronting immediate issues in their social sphere. Talk back radio, Oprah, Facebook, Blogs, Forums…. we are all more willing to say our piece, attempt to influence and quite possibly be influenced to be a better person. Life especially since the 2000′s has become far more interactive.
This interactivity is dissolving nation states, religious dogmas and the reliance on Government to secure our personal wellbeing; it’s all happening in the Middle East right now, infact. The exposure of world cultures on itself has radically affected the global economy and colour. Some regions still are hanging on to their insularity, sure, but by and large there is a coming together of world cultures.
And the main thrust of this modern climate is one of questioning. Of openness, and willingness to share and change. To soften the edges of previous prejudices and perhaps entertain another cultures traditions and ways. We have many cultural traditions all around us, things done well by some peoples and many practices to be shared and learnt from one other to strengthen our own.
There were attitudes and beliefs that had stopped this from happening globally in the past. What we are going through is akin to the evolution of European States, USA and Russia. At some point tribes made way for nationhood, and that probably was a quantum leap in existence for many back then. But it happened. So will this.
The question is…what is it going to feel like? Look like? Be like??