We concentrated this week in class on forming action groups on the Internet. Some individuals when asked believe that it is a great development for society and Internet users. For example, citizens throughout the country would be able to connect to individuals that would never interact otherwise. On the other hand, there are skeptics who are afraid that these action groups would end up having too much power. Is it wrong for people to have a voice and be able to use it to their advantage?After this discussion in class, I was reminded of the big hoopla surrounding Betty White. This was a big year for the star. Not only did she get praise for her role in "The Proposal," but also received lifetime achievement awards for all that she has contributed in the entertainment industry. With everything that she has been able to do, fans of the actress wondered why she has yet to host Saturday Night Live?
They talked and talked, but got nowhere. That's when they took their argument online and tried to gather as much support for her to host SNL that was possible. One way was to (surprise, surprise) create a group on Facebook entitled "Betty White to Host SNL (please?)!" Find the link here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Betty-White-to-Host-SNL-please/266442514828?v=info
With the help of online group members (503,806 to be precise), Ms. Betty White has finally accepted the hosting gig and will make her debut on May 8, 2010. Many people wonder why this time she said yes or why this was so important to her fans for her to host. Perhaps the reason for media coverage was not because she agreed, but rather the extent her supporters would go to get her on the show. To be quite honest, it is very impressive their dedication to White. Not only was it impressive, but it should what mass groups could do when they all have the same voice.
Dedication is key to any major action group that is founded on the Internet. In my personal opinion, I believe it is fascinating to see how much a group of individuals can impact or change a course of events. Not many people can say they have been able to do anything productive while in a group. The majority of the time, people fail to gain any attention or motivate individuals to assist in their cause. However, with the creation of social networking pages like MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook, spreading the news has become a lot easier. It is more convenient to find people with similar interests so that you have a comfort circle. This is the way the Internet is developing and at this point there is no turning back.
I never heard about this group. I knew that groups on facebook had a lot of power, but I was not aware that it was taken to such an extent. It is comforting to think that each person can have a voice (by joining such groups).
ReplyDeleteIts true that Facebook groups can give people a voice, but don't you think its possible that a lot of people just joined the Betty White group for the hell of it or because they thought it was funny? All that membership entails is the click of a mouse anyway. Regardless of the means, I am still a huge Betty White fan and I am more than happy that she'll be hosting SNL.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, let me just say I LOVE BETTY WHITE. Second, this reminds me of the Students Against Father O'Connell/Father O'Connell for Commencement Speaker. All these people are joining each, depending on their respective view points. They actually cited the Facebook group of Father O For Speaker as one of the reasons that he was invited to speak at graduation. Frankly, I think it was kind of ridiculous because the group had barely over a hundred members, but people obviously take that stuff seriously.
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