Friday 14 May 2010

Activism and Social Media

So I've been doing my research on Nestlé and their recent negative publicity. Blimey, what a storm they have faced (and are still facing). They have got PR Week reporting every move from GreenPeace, Nestlé and the Indonesian organisations sourcing Palm Oil.

For those that don't know what I'm talking about, just Google Nestle, Greenpeace and palm oil and you will quickly be updated (and witness a disturbing Greenpeace KitKat ad)

My point to all this is the Social Media surge with regards to this latest 'PR Crisis'. Facebook groups have been created hailing their anti- Nestlé campaigns, the Nestlé facebook page has been hijacked with negative comments, and Twitter and the blogosphere have gone nuts on this.

This story, which involves more parties than just Nestlé has spread like wildfire, within hours and days it has gone global. What this has resulted in is activism. Like-minded thinkers and activists have quickly gathered together to protest and ensure their views are witnessed. At a Nestlé HQ, protesters gathered dressed as Orangutans exclaiming 'Give us a break' on posters and signs (I'm sure you know which chocolate bar they're talking about)

This is extraordinary. Social Media (Facebook, twitter, blogs) have enabled groups to come together and discuss their grievances before going further with them.

This is Social Media in 2010, I wonder what Activism will look like in 10 years time?

Any thoughts?

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