Social networking proves its power

February 5th, 2008 at 10:14am Adri Permalink

It may have not happened here in the U.S. as much, but yesterday there was a massive protest in many countries around the world against the FARC. Over two million people marched in countries like Venezuela, Peru, Japan, and its epicenter: Colombia.

What’s impressive is that the protest were primarily organized in Facebook, with support of other Internet tools. Interesting as well, is that Facebook has put no effort in being a global platform, yet the connections of its users have made it relevant for many parts of the world. Also, other countries are not as aware of the privacy issues that the platform has had, so while I know of people in the U.S. dropping out of Facebook, it seems that it continues to grow in other parts of the world.

This is a wonderful example of how digital media can mobilize people for social causes. Perhaps an instance to look into and understand how it happened, I’m sure that the model will be replicated. This may be the best example to date of the power of social networking.

This is the official website of the organizers:
http://www.colombiasoyyo.org/

News:
BBC
New York Times
NPR

Click here to join the FB group “Un millon de voces against the FARC” (A million voices against the FARC)

Entry Filed under: participatory media