A Better America Through Online Social Networking

I was having dinner the other night with a client of mine and an attorney. We were discussing the social changes of our world. In this day and age, people are uniting in a way that they never have before and talking about topics that once were perhaps taboo or at least considered a bit “out there”. In fact, the conversation likely wouldn’t have happened even just several years ago.

We were talking about the power of thoughts, the power of grass root efforts to connect a nation, the power of a meditative state to create peace, goodwill, and understanding, and the power of reshaping a nation through online social networking. Never before in history have so many people of different ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses come together and shared their thoughts, their hopes, and beliefs. There is power and greatness in that kind of togetherness. Perhaps, a perceived level of anonymity creates courage and freedom of expression online. It seems to help even those who in the past weren’t inclined to get involved, to participate. Today, thoughts, expressions, and ideas are being spread by people via coffeehouse conversations, TV, print, email, and—maybe the fastest source—the World Wide Web.

Significant numbers of people gathered around TVs to watch our 44^th President of the United States take office earlier this month. But, many others watched online and networked as the inauguration took place. It reminds us of how President Obama campaigned to reach this high level of accomplishment. He grew his support through viral marketing and online social networking sites. Thus, we witnessed the first African-American to be sworn in to the country’s highest office and we heard these words from him: “This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.”

When our new President took office, an instant change occurred online: the swapping out of the White House Web site. The tech-savvy site makes use of rapidly growing technology and social-connectivity—giving opportunity to all online visitors to join in the effort to make America better. President Obama’s “Citizen’s Briefing Book” invites Americans to submit ideas about an issue facing the government. The site’s contact page states, “President Obama is committed to creating the most open and accessible administration in American history.” More than 125,000 users have submitted over 44,000 ideas and cast 1.4 million votes. The site states that, “The best rated ideas will be gathered into a Citizen’s Briefing Book to be delivered to President Obama after he is sworn in.”

The power of social networking via the Internet is creating a new way to reach out to those people we’ve never met and may never meet face-to-face—to hear their voices, understand their concerns, and, with hope and perseverance, create a better America.

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
	Read More >>