Social objects have become tres chic. Which in some ways is quite reassuring because we can make lots of them. Human beings are pretty good at making objects. Sites around photos, videos, maps, books, bars, etc. One problem with social objects that a few people have identified is that all the attention goes on the "object" bit and not enough on the "social" bit. Elegant, sexy, perfect objects are designed - and no one does anything with them.
On the other hand, there are gestures and actions. Gestures that invite further gestures. One of my favourite metaphors for social software is the Mexican Wave. People who have never met before suddenly cooperating with each other. Gestures and countergestures that proliferate, swarm and lead to collective action. These may involve objects. But actions always involve people. There is no passive voice to hide behind.
Sometimes the collective reflection of our gestures is enough. It can certainly make us feel warm & fuzzy. It can give us a sense of belonging, however fleeting. Some gesture swarms aspire to action but not all achieve it - for example Earth Hour is massive but is it changing policy or behaviour? Is it driving positive environmental change or is it simply making us feel warm & worthy for 60 mins?
What gestures do it for you?
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2 comments:
Warm and fuzzy.
But I think this is because it is owned by a corporation who happened to be the catalyst for a movement.
Unfortunately, not everyone knows what to do with such a beast.
Hello GH. So, what should they be doing..?
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