Why Social Media is changing the world

Last week, Fast Company, a well-known business magazine voted UNICEF as one of the most innovative companies in local for launching RapidSMS a text based data-collection programme. One of the primary uses of this programme has been to register and deploy health-related information in developing countries. For example, in 2011, this programme registered 13 million births in Nigeria through text messages, which provides the children official identity, access to health services and education and makes them less vulnerable to trafficking. A newer mobile app called RapidFTR is used to reunite family members who are separated during natural disasters or in refugee camps.

For those of us who are not aware of what Social Media is – according to Wikipedia - Social media refers to interaction among people in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Some popular examples are facebook, twitter and Linkedin.

Here are some interesting and surprising statistics on social media from the magazine “Fast Company” :

• The fastest growing demographic on twitter is the age group 55-64
• YouTube reaches more U.S. adults aged 18–34 than any cable network
• Every second two new members join LinkedIn
• 93% of marketers use social media for business
• Social Media has overtaken porn as the No. 1 activity on the web

Social media causes disruption.  The word disruption being used in this context to illustrate how older processes and ideas can be replaced by new. In an article published last month, Forbes magazine highlighted this by saying how in the past, traditional media filtered stories for us – what you saw on the front page of your newspaper was what was considered important by that newspaper and not necessarily by you. However, today a small group of people can start a movement via facebook or twitter  and it can spread much faster than it would ever have with traditional mass media. For a fun and interesting visual demonstration of disruption – google “Sasquatch 2009 Dancing Man Party”.

Second is how access to technology that can help people connect online via social media  is increasing around the world. In a recent article, Washington post cites that there are currently 2 billion people online and in the next decade an additional 3 billion people will gain online access through mobile devices similar to the ipad that will be available for less than $50. Already, basic tablets with 7-inch screens are available for as little as $40 in China and India. By the end of 2014, they are likely to be available in the US for as little as $38.

My final point is  to cite the same article in the Washington post, which talks about how Social media is going to result in a generation of children for whom the world is one giant social network. This generation is not bound by what is taught in schools or by their parents with the only limits being their own curiosity and ambition.  With timely information on their fingertips – they will have a very different view of the world and that in itself is an important reason why social media is changing the world.

To conclude, facebook will celebrate its 10^th anniversary this year and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I think the next decade is going to see massive positive disruption in social media and even more people connected to each other. I am so glad I was born in a time where I can be part of the action.

Tweet