‘The pen is mightier than the sword’, was an adage I grew up with, just that now the pen has transformed into a stylus, busy tapping and twittering at the speed of nanoseconds. I also grew up with the saga of how the Internet will herald a new era of revolution, they meant technology revolution then; but the one we are witnessing right now has far greater velocity and impact than anyone would have ever imagined!
What changed all of a sudden? What brought about the sudden sense of realization and awakening in the people of Sudan, Tunisia, Egypt, Bahrain and Libya to fight decades of repression, corruption and tyranny? Who gave them the hope, the power and the courage to fight for their fundamental rights?
Within two months, how could common men, women and children on the streets bring about a revolution that toppled governments of three countries and frightened other autocracies to take restorative steps to save their kingdoms?
To give all the credit to the power of technology would be a fallacy; many a freedom fighters have laid their lives for the future of their country, and are still doing so; but the social media definitely played a major role in powering the new age revolution.
In essence, it is now, that I truly understand why social media was always referred to as a revolution! It is much beyond the advanced applications; it is much more than sharing status messages and mood swings on facebook and twitter!
A revolution begets revolutions! It is like Newton’s third law – Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. And this also explains our behavior on the web!
It is a chain reaction.
It’s a nuclear weapon where a small atom has the accumulative multiplier effect – this is what social media is – a powerful and probably a faster nuclear reactor!! And we - you and I– are an atom in this web universe! Our thoughts are powerful ammunitions that can influence, motivate, empower and ignite this reactor!
Imagine millions and thousands of such small insignificant atoms sending small ammunitions of messages in the web universe…!
Till yesterday, the oppressed had no medium to reach out or to express and now the social media has empowered them to talk, to share experiences and spread awareness. They can do so anonymously or by being vocal virtually.
And this is just not it. Social media is omnipresent and that provides it far greater power! The fact that no issue can remain local and physical borders are no longer significant! Add to this, there is still sometime before terrorists discover social terror techniques! So it’s relatively a safer place to express opinions!!
Reality is nothing but repetitive information. We all know this very well. So when millions tweet out their anger, frustration and demand change and justice, into a powerful virtual chain reactor - you get a billion more followers and supporters getting added at the speed of light!
Imagine the erstwhile elusive, big league of leaders standing by your side and supporting your cause, even if it is virtual! The global diplomatic community has always been aware of the situation in these countries, but today every world leader has eyes grounded on the Middle East and every leader worth his might has had a say, thanks to twitter!
So, while the people in these countries are belligerent for change, the world is watching them hoping, praying and supporting them in their cause. This collective emotional echo through the web grants an additional strength to their battle transforming it into a revolution.
What can organizations learn from all of this?
That the chain reaction can be ignited by anyone, even organizations. They just need to be ‘in the network’.
That negative information works faster than positive, so the job is to focus on the positive all the time, and diffuse the negative.
That empowerment is the key, and empowerment begins at the core - with the employees- who know the organization more than anyone else.
That perception is the TRUTH and;
The pen is mightier than the sword!
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