The True Impact of Social Software
During the excellent Reboot conference there was naturally a lot of talk about technology. The true impact of social software of course is not the technology (though a lot of fun to play with!), but in the way these tools help us build new relationships and strengthen existing relationships with other people (and that got a lot of attention at Reboot as well). Previous systems like e.g. corporate intranet have the information or content (terrible word) as a central aspect. People are more or less anonymously feeding the system in such cases. Putting distance between people.
Social software tools are all smaller than us, we control them individually. And instead of us feeding the information systems, the tools start feeding us. It brings people closer. In my mind we haven't really begun to see the impact of that, though the atmosphere on Reboot, and the way e.g. bloggers describe feeling their world opening up before them is an indication of what is to come.
Ton is almost poetical in his language (perhaps Reboot has that effect on you) as he describes social software. That's what i like about blogging - you can always find someone who gives credance to your point of view. Social software is fantastic and its about relationships not the technology. How many times have I tried to make that point in business... I get too excited by the toys and labeled a geek. Well guess what? I study social science not technology and I agree with Ton. Anyone want to argue?
Posted by Paul Goodison at June 21, 2005 01:13 PM | TrackBackPoetic hey? I think I like that!
And yes, could very well have been a side-effect of Reboot.
best,
Ton
Posted by: Ton at June 22, 2005 11:43 AMTon - Thanks for the comment. Personally think we should all be more poetic when we talk about technology. People might relax more when they deal with it.
Posted by: Paul Goodison at June 22, 2005 12:12 PM