RNUAL 3 Presentation

4.2.1.0 (What’s this number?)

This is a podcast and slideshow from my presentation today at RNUAL 3, University of the Arts London. I’m very grateful for the enthusiasm the audience showed for this piece of research, and a big thanks to Sheila for the late night rehearsals!

photography: Wasma Mansour

Social Media: Overcoming the Barriers

2.3.2.2 (What’s this number?)

I am in the middle of preparing for an important presentation about my research on Monday. Time is ticking and the presentation is nowhere near done yet, but I couldn’t resist the urge of sharing this video with you, and the idea that emerged from it.

The video below was produced by The Social Media Exchange; founded in Beirut in 2008 to help civil society and nonprofit organisations in Lebanon use media to advance their missions. The video presents case studies of organisations that have successfully used social media platforms such as facebook and blogs to connect and network with their target audiences.

It is highly noticeable that since the conception of platforms such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, blogging… there are so many development initiatives being implemented in Lebanon whether for political, social, cultural or creative objectives. This does not mean that these initiatives were non-existent or minimal in the past, but it may imply that Lebanon was not as connected – with the absence of social media – as it is now, for everyone to share these initiatives. As a result, it is undeniable that social media is overcoming the barriers for integration evident in the sectarian and regional social structure of Lebanon (you can read more about these barriers here). With social media, there are little barriers. An internet connection and the will to interact is all it takes.

I’d love to know about your experiences of how social media has helped you connect better with other people, projects and ideas, so please leave your comments!

…and here’s the video: