High Tide at CUA: The Rise of Google Wave

Google's newest, and somewhat mysterious, project "Google Wave" was unveiled earlier this semester in a gradual "invite-only" fashion. As little details about Wave were released, and the invites were so selective (at least initially) Google managed to generate a great deal of buzz for this new endeavor. "Google Wave" was constantly featured in Twitter's trending topics (a list of the most commonly tweeted words or phrases), and Wave became a focus of many New Media gurus within the blogosphere.

I must admit I totally bought into the hype, and eagerly (maybe even impatiently...) awaited an invite. So when google sent me an official invite over Thanksgiving Break (I had requested one through their website months earlier), I was initially filled with excitement. I finally had one of coveted invites everyone had been talking (and tweeting) about, and with that invite came the power to invite 9 friends to the exclusive service as well. I invited a few of my closest friends who I knew would appreciate a new Technology, and my father, in case he could put Wave (a tool for real-time, collaborative communication) to use in his small business. But once the initial thrill of being invited, and inviting, passed; I realized that Google Wave's exclusivity wasn't really so appealing after all. Though I was thrilled to have Google Wave, it seemed a bit useless with so few other people to wave with.

However, this all changed as I returned back to campus Sunday. It seems I wasn't the only person who got their official invite over break, but rather google had sent out a large bulk of invites. Thus, there were several other people within the CUA community who had recently gotten invited by Google as well. And furthermore, something I hadn't realized initially, each person I invited (or who was invited by one of the other few original invitees) got 9 invites to pass along as well. People began tweeting to offer their available invites and soon, everyone in the "CUA twitter community" who wanted to be on Google Wave had access. Facebook Statuses and Twitter Accounts were updated with news of people's newfound access to google wave, and soon those not initially aware of the service began asking what all the buzz was about. Since so many invites were now floating around amidst the CUA community, people answered their inquiries by inviting them as well. Within a matter of a day, my list of Wave contacts grew 4 times its original size, and has been continuing to grow exponentially. What was once as highly sought after and exclusive service had now exploded, at least within my network of peers.

So what does all this mean? I'll admit that despite having an invite and seeing the service there are still many things about it I don't understand and I couldn't begin to predict the impact Google Wave will have on New Media. But what I can say is if the strength of Google's marketing strategy is any indication of their product's merits--than I'd say Wave is certainly something to watch. Their strategy in unveiling Google Wave in this invite only format created a remarkable buzz, while at the same time allowing the service to spread VERY quickly among a particular network once it arrives there. Thus, allowing people to take advantage of the service, and start communicating with their network, right away. The only problem with this marketing strategy would be if the product they've put forth fails to live up to the immense buzz they've created about it. Then, I think google may face many disgruntled users who regret seeking an invite so aggressively. But, assuming Wave is indeed a good product ( or is at least on its way to being one as it moves out of the preview stages), then Google has certainly set themselves up for another big success.

Its a small world after all?

Ever since the wake of electric technology, when Marshal McLuhan predicted a "global village" of increased connectivity and communication, scholars have been assessing and debating the pros and cons of new technologies. In recent years, particularly with the development of new online mediums, many have been quick to reject McLuhan's initial idea, instead suggesting these new technologies have led users into increased self-absorption and isolation. However, things could be returning to McLuhan-ian state of affairs after the Pew Internet and American Life Project released a study suggesting social media does indeed lead to a more diverse, wide spread social network. The results of the study seem to indicatethe suggestion that social media breads isolation and less authentic relationships is incorrect. Since this study was released just yesterday, its difficult to see how its results will impact New Media and the way it is studied and viewed in this country, but it certainly raises new questions and issues that are worth exploring further. You can read more about the study on yahoo news: http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20091104/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_techbit_internet_isolation, as well as some analysis by Stan Schroeder at mashable.com.

And Another One Bites the Dust...

Earlier this semester I wrote about Redskin's player Robert Hensen's decision to delete his twitter account after his negative tweets sparked a controversy with fans. This week, it seems another NFL player has fallen victim to a similiar fate. Mashable.com reports that Chief's player Larry Johnson has been suspended (costing him nearly $213,000.00 in missed games) after tweeting homophobic comments in a twitter-feud with another user that began after he insulted his head coach. Though the other user engaged in this twitter-spat made some off color comments as well, Johnson, as a public figure, will have to be held accountable for the offensive comments he made. Though he has deleted any offensive tweets, made his account private, and released a public apology; the fall-out of his online activity will have serious reprecusions. Would Johnson have ever walked up to a microphone and made such offensive comments at a press conference? Absolutely Not. And even if he had tried to, his coach, manager, publicist, etc. would all have pulled him away from the mic in an instance. So why the change in online behavior?
This incidient raises numerous questions about New Media, not just as it applies to celebrities, but to people in general. Johnsons comments, totally out of line and agressive, are not atypical in the online world. Many scholars have spoken of this online phenomenon, where people lose their social inhibitations and say or do things they'd never think of doing in the real world. Cyber-bullying seems to operate based on this idea that one can hide behind their computer screen and avoid being held accountable for their actions. Johnson's experience is evidence that this is no longer the case. As new mediums become more mainstream, individuals will have to increase their awareness of invisible audiences and accountability, or risk serious consequences like these ones.

Facebook Meets the Feds

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)

To Tweet or Not to Tweet?

Last week I talked about twitter, and social networking in general, as a double-edged sword. Where these new technologies are often considered a great tool for marketing, the incident with Kanye West seemed to illustrate that there were some pitfalls high-profile celebrities must also consider when using Social Networking sites. This was extremely evident again this week, this time in the realm of athletics.

Sunday night, after the redskins less-than-stellar (or downright horrible...) preformance against the rams, rookie linebacker Robert Hensen reached out to his twitter account as an outlet for his frustration. Angered by the negative attitude of redskins fans, particularly those in the crowd that Sunday, Hensen twittered “All you fake half hearted Skins fan can . . . I won’t go there but I dislike you very strongly, don’t come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!!” As if that wasn't enough, Hensen followed that tweet up with, “The question is who are you to say you know what’s best for the team and you work 9 to 5 at Mcdonalds.” As one can expect, this ignited some SERIOUS backlash, sending already frustrated Redskins fans further into a fit of rage. In the wake of the controversy, Hensen apologized, but ultimately ended up deleting his twitter account all together. Hensen reportedly acknowledged he was in the wrong, but admitted he was suprised by the level of backlash he received. In his decision to delete his account, it seems, at least for Hensen, the cons of modern media outweighed the pros.

This also speaks to the questions we raised in class about how social networking sites are changing and evolving. Where SNS were once just a place for people to be themselves and interact with friends, now people are finding they must be much more careful about what they post, and who can see it. Just as a tweet posted out of anger came back to haunt Hensen, so too can a picture from one night of partying hurt a college students when its stumbled upon by a future employer. Thus, as social networking sites evolve, it seems our usership of them must as well.

Twitter Screen Shoots from Mashable.com

#CUAMMP

Tonight I attended a "Modern Media Panel" hosted by CUA's College Republicans. The Panel featured leaders of the Republican Party who maintained active uses of New Media. It was really interesting to hear what people at the fore-front of conservative politics think about New Media and its role in society. All the members of the panel were extremely enthusiastic about New Media devices such as facebook and twitter as essential parts of the political process. This was interesting because I think New Media has long been considered the tool of liberal politicians (particularly in the wake of Barack Obama's election) and many would suggest that conservative politics have lagged behind significantly. I was able to ask the members of the panel about this observation, and most agreed that there has indeed been a gap between conservative and liberal usership in the past, but they all seemed to think that the divide is quickly narrowing. Thus, it was encouraging to see and hear that New Media is becoming a legitimate focus on both sides of the aisle. It will be interesting to see how different the New Media presence of each party is by the next presidential election. 

(Photo from the CUA College Republicans Twitter Account)

The Jerk Heard Around the World

Earlier this week at MTV's Video Music Awards, Kayne West got the crowds attention when he stole the stage from Taylor Swift and declared her award win undeserved. In another era, the story would have ended there; with just an upset crowd or, at most, word of the social faux pas slowly trickling to those most devoted music followers. But in our era, the era of social media and unprecedented connectivity, the story had just begun. 

Within minutes of Kanye's  outburst, new media exploded. Twitters, Facebooks, and Myspaces were all littered with talk of the outburst. From the casual MTV viewers, to high-profile celebrities, to legitimate news reporters, everyone had an opinion. Even President Obama's off the record comment that Kanye West was a "jackass" was leaked to the world by a CNBC reporter the following day on twitter. Wikipedia users were in an all-out editing war, constantly changing his biographical information in the wake of the controversy. One such edit allegedly included, "Kayne West is a loser who's mad at the world he's black." The story was a topic topic on news streams. It seemed every digital media had a stake in the story.

This poses some interesting questions about the role New Media plays in our society. There's been a lot of talk in this Web 2.0 world of new media's capacity for Public Relations and marketing. But this recent new media explosion shows that clearly there's a double-edged sword. Where new media can be an excellent tool for spreading good press, it seems we must also consider what role it plays when the news is more negative. We are left to wonder, particularly in this digital world, is any press really good press?

Photo by the Associated Press.