In my previous posts, I have referred to social networks as a means of keeping in touch with and communicating with people. What if, however, a simple website could develop into a community of people who interact both online and offline.
“Stop crime, say hello” (http://www.scsh.co.za/ourbeliefs.html), is a perfect example of such a development which is attempting to promote a network of people with same beliefs in mind.
Stop crime; say hello is a website which aims to promote a certain ethic and concept which should in theory make South Africa a safer and friendlier place. The website puts forward its simple suggestion, that by simply saying hello and being friendly to people we can foster a safer environment and one which promotes the concept of inter-human caring.
So why would this be a social network, you may ask. The reason is not that it physically links people, or even that it links them over the virtual network that is the internet. This campaign has become a social network because it links people around South Africa and around the globe with similar intent and philosophies. Every time someone says hello to another, with the websites ethic in mind, they are essentially participating in the development of this social network.
From my perception, social networks are not simply a direct link of people (be that physical or virtual), they are far more than this. A social network can be a simple link of philosophy, belief system or intent that arises from one point of reference.
“Stop crime, say hello” (http://www.scsh.co.za/ourbeliefs.html), is a perfect example of such a development which is attempting to promote a network of people with same beliefs in mind.
Stop crime; say hello is a website which aims to promote a certain ethic and concept which should in theory make South Africa a safer and friendlier place. The website puts forward its simple suggestion, that by simply saying hello and being friendly to people we can foster a safer environment and one which promotes the concept of inter-human caring.
So why would this be a social network, you may ask. The reason is not that it physically links people, or even that it links them over the virtual network that is the internet. This campaign has become a social network because it links people around South Africa and around the globe with similar intent and philosophies. Every time someone says hello to another, with the websites ethic in mind, they are essentially participating in the development of this social network.
From my perception, social networks are not simply a direct link of people (be that physical or virtual), they are far more than this. A social network can be a simple link of philosophy, belief system or intent that arises from one point of reference.
1 comment:
I love this Idea of fostering respect and compassion in our communities, but in order for it to work everyone has to participate and cooperate. I'm not sure Joe Soap behind me waiting to pay for his pilchards in the line at Checkers is going to get where I'm coming from if I suddenly smile and say, "Hey how you doing? Having a good day?" In fact he'll most probably think I'm coming on to him. This idea needs to be made known to the masses in order for it to work.
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