Our discussions in class this week about youth and social media provide a great context in which to consider one of this week's most startling new media stories: An Obama Assassination Poll that surfaced on facebook. The poll, created by a third party application, asked users to answer the question "Should Obama be killed?" and offered them four possible responses, "yes," "maybe,""if he cuts my health care," or "no," Over 700 people participated in the poll before the secret service was notified and facebook had it disabled. The secret service thankfully determined there was no credible threat to president; but what really struck me about the results of their investigation was their announcement that the application was created by a teenager.
I can't help but wonder, who is this kid? Clearly they lacked an awareness of invisible audiences and the seriousness that can come with the things we choose to post online. What are they thinking now, after their facebook interactions earned them a date with the United States Secret Service? Though the secret services announced they will not face any criminal charges, I still wonder, how will their life change? Will this shape their future usage of new media? Perhaps they will retreat from new media all together, like "Susie", who's racy film for her boyfriend was leaked to the internet world in 2000 ( "Say Everything" - Emily Nussbaum). Or maybe this kid will embrace his or her new found "celebrity." Maybe they'll become an online crusader for first amendment rights, or a hero within politically radical online communities.
Though the implications of the incident on this kids life are unclear, one thing is certain: new media provides young generations with an unprecedented level of influence. Its pretty crazy to think that one minor could create an online application that gets over 700 responses in such a short time, grabs the attention of national leaders, and becomes a major news story. Though its easy to celebrate the rising power of American youth, it seems we must also consider, is everyone ready for the responsibilities and consequences that come with this increased influence?
(Screen shot found on mashable.com)
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