Oh Please…Is It Really Social Media’s Fault?

It’s a social media thing and most people still don’t understand it! I’m not the only one frustrated by the claptrap that has spurted from certain fraternites of the media these last few days about social media being responsible for the London riots. Take a peak at thisislondon and BBC articles.

We will avoid the dumbing down of journalism and the poor standards being exhibited by global media brands including the BBC nowadays. Another time over a drink maybe! Information flows have always being substantially affected by the size and character of social networks. Twenty years ago this happened via physical word of mouth. This week its happened both physically and virtually. Double whammy! That’s why we have seen the sheer numbers of rioters involved, how things changed so rapidly and, as a result, why it got out of control so quickly. Its been a form of viral rioting.

Social networks provide reach, volume and spreadability. There is a lesson here for politicians, leaders of large institutions and anyone in an authoritative position, society and behaviour is re organising itself. I’m not condoning the actions of these misguided and mindless individuals but there is a strong message. Uprisings can happen, even within organisations and very swiftly.

When we don’t understand something, we hastily blame it, granted it also helps if inflammatory headlines sell a few more newspapers. Social networks have energy so yes they can fuel things, but the energy originates from and is created by the humans. We are doing our usual thing; asking what happened, who to implicate and how are we going to punish those responsible rather than the equally valuable question, why it happened?

Those who criticize this generation forget who raised it. We have failed to embed community values, a sense of belonging and the importance of social capital in this rather upturned world that believes that you put the individual first not society. In truth, you can’t expect people to respect authority if every week that authority is demonstrably being shown to be corrupt. We have advocated the relationship between income and happiness despite evidence to the contrary and ignored the strong association between personal and community relationships.

Social media is no more responsible than my Gran. If, you want it your way and social media is to blame, there is no need to feel anguished, the Police will be able to trace, find those really responsible and hopefully bring justice to those people affected by these awful events. In fact, used creatively, social media could be used to facilitate unity and strength in the communities so devastated recently.