Technology, social networking transforms giving.
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This article details the text-messaging fund raising techniques utilized by the red cross during the Haiti earthquake crisis. The author does a good job of covering the pros and cons of being able to raise millions of dollars in a short period of time, but challenging and potentially redefining the way activists and non-profits raise money.
The questions that arose to me while reading this are:
1) the article argues that the immediacy of mobile donations is absolutely essential to success. I ask that if immediacy is directly related to raising funds, does texting then define those who partake as activists? If yes, then how does that change the definition of activism?
2) how does being able to contribute via mobile devices impact democracy in America?
3) where,if at all, does a line exist between social media and activist media?
4) do you feel that the campaign for text donations plays off of accessibility/immediacy, or guilt?
This is just food for thought, but i would love to know what you think.
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I realize that texting isn't exactly "media," but i feel that the notion of social media vs activist media bleeds into the main themes of immediacy and accessibility this article speaks to.
ReplyDeleteto address question 3, i think there is plenty of overlap that happens between social media and activist media, but there is also a definite line that separates the two in some regards. social media has the capability of being activist, but social media isn't inherently activist. most people use social networking tools like Facebook to stay in touch with family and friends, not to get organized in grassroots activist movements.
ReplyDeleteand as for 4, i could see how text donations might play off of someone's guilt, but i think most people make text donations because of the ease of use. text messaging is a kind of sign of the times in terms of our culture liking things that are fast, easy, and indirect, and text donations play off of this cultural mindset. for most people, it's easier to text than to seek alternative ways/methods of donating money. in this regard, i think text donations are probably more successful in raising money than other methods.