Follow the leader

 Photo cred: @JoshHealy

The majority of people I know hate Twitter. They say "I have no followers, so it's boring" or "Why do I want to read a tweet about what someone ate this afternoon?" If you ask me, Twitter is an amazing social platform that allows information to be shared quicker than almost any other media outlet. 

Since their initial launch in 2007, I have been an avid user almost on a daily basis. With over 20,000 followers on my Twitter account, learning how to filter out all the extra information has been a challenge to say the least. Luckily, I've learned some helpful tools to help manipulate Twitter's algorithm and receive information only catered to my liking. Some of the accounts I like to follow are +WORLDSTARHIPHOP +HOT 97 and +Best Vines. For me, they're very current with the music industry, which is something I like to view when on Twitter. 

Clay Shirky's video "How social media can make history" is a compelling narrative. His assessment that social platforms such as Twitter and Facebook has shaped the landscape of media and news is very interesting and in my opinion, I'd strongly agree.

 In the 21st century, Social media has made a huge impact on politics in America. For example, the Baltimore riots back in April of earlier this year created a mass amount feedback from the American people, the riots created a lot of racial tension amongst our citizens involving black oppression and social injustice. 

During this time, there were many interesting tweets circulating around the Twitter world. One tweet that stood out to me was by celebrity and social activist @KillerMikeGTO he tweeted, "Repression breeds rebellion. U wanna stop riots? Stop poverty. Systematic racism. Stop police." Although the author of the tweet received plenty of backlash from the conservative party, his tweet was essentially an example of Clay Shirky's idea that anybody on a social media platform can voice their opinion on any social issue. This is something that wasn't available back in the 20th century....Yes, we are making history!!

One concept that really stood out for me from Jeff Jarvis's book "What Would Google Do" was the chapter New Economy: Small Is The New Big. This chapter and concept was very relatable to me because I work for a media company that helps small businesses grow. Our motive at my company Next Level Media is to inform small "mom and pop" businesses the importance of social media in the business world and help create content necessary for advertising.

 A long time ago, big businesses could out pay and out market the small business owners, now any company in today's world - small or big - can reach thousands, if not million of potential customers from social platforms. 

Just last week I contracted with a birthing center, their company used Google Ads to market their business, however, despite paying $300 a month on weekly advertising, their site and business did not see exponential growth. I am currently working on a business plan to update their content and audit their Facebook and Instagram traffic. My goal is to hopefully gain brand awareness in the maternal community through commercial advertising. In essence, Jarvis's concept that small business can compete with the big businesses with social media tools is very true. 

Internet arguments: "Anyone can say anything on the internet".......and your point is? 

Jeff Jarvis's response to the aforementioned argument is very accurate. The internet exercises our first amendment rights to the fullest. Just like I mentioned earlier in this blog, the Baltimore riots created a massive debate regarding social injustice and black oppression. Whether you chose to empathize with the rioters or disagree with their actions, many of us looked to Facebook or Twitter to express our feelings towards the event. 

Looking at each assessments from both Shirky and Jarvis, it is clear to me to see the comparisons  that the internet has revolutionized the ability for each and every individual to express themselves whether it be in a personal or business manner.