When I heard of social media week I got excited. How can you not when it showcases over 500 events in 11 cities with 20,000 attendees all discussing where Social Media has come, where Social Media is going and its power and relevance in our world today.
My mother and I recently had a debate about the evolution of communication after she discovered that her Grandchildren could not read the message she had written in their Christmas card because she had used cursive hand-writing. Much to her utter disbelief, I explained that the school’s today no longer pushed the learning of cursive or “hand writing”.
To her, it was ridiculous! Something so fundamental in her world of communication couldn’t suddenly expire?! Now I should know better than to question my Mother, but on this day I forgot.... and proceeded to ask why it should remain relevant? Wouldn't time be better spent on learning keyboard or texting skills, as this would aid them more in their future? Needless to say she stuck to her guns and the conversation continued.
Carefully (hehe) I offered an explanation as to why it was now considered a defunct skill and consolidating a 1½ hour conversation into two sentences I stumbled upon a scary revelation.
With the evolution of technology moving so fast and our methods of communication progressing accordingly, if I didn't recognise the need to stay current with communication technology, the potential of ME waking up in 30 years time and pining for a text message or email suddenly became quite real.
I offered her the chance to witness how silly it can appear when we observe people talking about technologies that are considered standard today. It was only after she saw this youtube video that she realised how easy it was to forget how far we have come since the first email was sent in 1971.
So celebrate Social Media week and embrace the change or you may wake up one morning and find that your message can’t be read.
There are many workshops and courses on offer these days to help you keep up to date, why not search for some in your local area.
Social Media Week
- It started 2 years ago in 2009 and now showcases 500 events in over 11 cities with 20,000 attendees.
- The event is designed to focus on societies, cultures and economies that are becoming more reliant on social media as a means of communication.
- In true social media fashion it is free, simultaneous, open and inclusive.
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