A brave new world: Technology as a force multiplier for societal change.

Salvation Army donations
Image credit: Zimbio

The iconic image of a Salvation Army bell ringer standing close to the entrance of major stores around Christmas is about to get a makeover. Gone will be the bucket for cash and change, to be replaced by an iPhone, iPad or android phone with a Square card processor (a mobile credit card processor) plugged into it (PC Magazine, 2011). This allows the Salvation Army to get donations from an increasingly cashless population.

This example is just the latest in many disruptive changes brought about by the ubiquitous presence of technology in society. Its influence and ability to amplify our actions range from the personal, like organizing celebrations on social networks (via Facebook and twitter), the professional (using professional networks like LinkedIn, as well as professional forums online), and the societal.

Image credit: Time Magzine

The last category has been especially visible recently, with social platforms including twitter, tumblr and Facebook accelerating protests cross the Middle East and North Africa. Many of the grassroots protests that started in December of 2010, have led to regime changes (Tunisia, Libya and Egypt), or at least major social changes in others (Bahrain and Jordan) (Blight,Pulham, Torpey, 2012). Many other oppressed groups have since adopted the social model, to expose the hypocrisy of their own governments, and to show the world the actual conditions on the ground.

Syria is a good example of this stark contrast between an official message, and the reality on the ground. Without technologies like satellite phones, video capable mobile phones, or uncensored social media, most of these stories would not make it out via the official channels.
As the world watches the Syrian government’s moves, the protest movement in Egypt is simmering again, as the military caretaker government has failed to live up to the people’s expectations (NPR, 2012). It is clear that online organizing will play a large part in the future of this movement, and this time people are more prepared with new counter technology to sidestep network shutdowns and censorship actions by the government.

There are truly few game changers in society, but technologies combinations like mobile devices and social platforms, are as definitive as are possible. Social networks have changed how we interact with friends and family, and have toppled oppressive governments. The picture isn’t all rosy though, privacy concerns still dog this nascent area, and the regulations to govern access to personal information will be worth watching. Nonetheless, Pandora’s box has been opened, and we ought to integrate these new communication tools into society, to enhance how we communicate with, and affect our society.

Ope Bakare.

References.
PC Magazine Online. (2011). Salvation army accepting donations via square. Retrieved from http://go.galegroup.com.dml.regis.edu/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA272618175&v=2.1&u=regis&it=r&p=CDB&sw=w

Blight, Garry, Pulham, Sheila, Torpey, Paul. (2012). Arab spring: An interactive timeline of middle east protests. Retrieved from http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/interactive/2011/mar/22/middle-east-protest-interactive-timeline

NPR. (2012). Anti government protests roil Egypt. Retrieved from http://www.npr.org/series/133370727/anti-government-protests-roil-egypt

Time. (2011). The protester. Retrieved from http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2101745_2102132_2102373,00.html

Zimbio. (2011). Recession forces salvation army bell-ringers to return to streets in summer. Retrieved from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/AeaO1gO0kCT/Recession+Forces+Salvation+Army+Bell+Ringers