When it comes to the functioning of the Internet, it is easy to miss the complex machinations yet very simple principles that allow it to function. In Jonathan Zittrain’s TED talk: "The Web as Random Acts of Kindness", he covers the interesting development of online social responsibility. Using his example, information moves through the Internet the same way a drink gets passed down the aisle at a baseball game. People will deliver the beverage to the person next to them in a chain like fashion, not for money or praise but simply for the idea that it is the socially appropriate thing to do. He expands on that idea where web sites like Wikipedia thrive due to a legion of volunteers that monitor every nook and cranny of the site in order to keep it free and clear of inaccuracies and the scourge of SPAM. These people are driven by their desire to contribute to the community not for any sort of direct compensation.

The reason his talk is inspiring is that the Internet gets a lot of negative press as a place where all sorts of bad things can happen to you as faceless strangers break your computer with viruses or make off with your identity. But overall, the way people use the Internet is evolving and are thus interacting with each other in a human manner taking responsibility for their actions and helping each other. I would take this observation a step further and use sites like Twitter and Facebook as proof of this concept. Remember how news of the questionable Iranian elections spread quickly all over the world as people tweeted and retweeted information? Just like that beverage going down the aisle, important ideas are being spread all over the world in a daisy chain fashion one computer at a time.

I think it’s root cause is the trend of people finally seeing the Internet as a place where their virtual reputations are just as important as their real world reputations. This humanizes our online actions, creates community, and fosters progress. Please take some time out of your day and watch Jonathan’s eye opening talk at TED. If you would like to see more talks like this and live in the Phoenix area you can attend the very first TEDxPhoenix event November 6th. Click here for ticket info.

Regards,
Glenn Jimerson
TEDxPhoenix Social Media Maven and owner of Vista Web Media a Phoenix based SEO company

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