The Power of Social Media

Last week, I sat back and watched the power of social media in my own home.  Tuesday night at 9:00pm my 14 year old daughter found out, via a Facebook post, that a friend was leaving the area due to her father’s job change.  The typical comments and emoticons started to fly.  Then, an idea, “Let’s have a going away for her!”

By noon the next day, the event was planned;  the location secured, the invites sent (to the entire freshman class), the responses being tallied and the party was ready.  The party was held less than 48 hours after people hearing about her leaving and almost half of the class was there!  (Some had other commitments which makes sense when you pull a party together and have it in less than 48 hours!) 

Think about this event even two years ago.  Someone would have called someone and they called someone else and they would have been sad.  Then, an hour later, someone would have an idea about a going away, more calls would have ensued and planning would have taken a week, maybe more.  Then starts another round of calls to make sure people knew about it and then who was going to make sure there was enough food because no one would know WHO is coming, just that people were invited!! 

The power of SOCIAL media can make things happen with lightning speed.   It can be used to plan parties, protest or promote an idea, dispense information and even save lives.  Some believe that social media is making the world more introverted because they don’t have to ever see anyone.  I believe, like anything else, if used properly, it can be a great tool.  For one 14 year old girl who is moving away from her school and friends, it made her feel like a queen for a day and that’s awesome!    And while she and her family prepare to move, I keep going.