12/03/2022
While I've been vocal on my personal accounts, I haven't felt that Red Gem's brand profile could add anything of value to the discussion around Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
However a thought piece from David Heinemeier Hansson really struck a cord and I wanted to share some excerpts here.
Much like the Arab Spring of 2010, we're seeing social media's incredible potential as a resource for those on the ground. (See 'Twitter and Teargas' by Zeynep Tufekci for some powerful insights and analysis on this.)
But on the other side we're also seeing State-level disinformation campaigns and the strangulation of free information. Can the little guy prevail?
As Digital Strategist Vassilena Valchanova put it so well,
"Russia has been an expert in information combat for ages. But their strategy comes from a place of authority and fear. Something that works for 20th century broadcasting.
Ukraine's strategy comes from a place of authenticity and human spirit – and this is the right approach for the Internet age.
While there's a ton wrong with social media, we're now being reminded about the amazing things that can happen when everyone can use their authentic voice to reach a larger group."
And this really speaks to my own professional paradox. Knowing the limits, risks and fragility of social media, I still chose to dance with the devil. Why?
Because its power lies in the democratisation of information, the opportunities for marginalised voices, and the way authenticity, ultimately, will always win.
