Social networks, blogs and online identities have given rise to a lot of discussion and concerns on the best way to manage how you’re seen by other people (I’m trying to avoid using the words ‘personal brand’). And you’ll regularly see examples of people failing to realise that what they do online could get them fired, for example.
But is this carrying over to the offline world?
I commute every day on busy trains, and quite often encounter people who, for whatever reason, appear to be rude and inconsiderate, and sometimes selfish or offensive.
And 10 years ago, the only option was to either ignore it or confront them.
But with the rise of mobile phones and mobile computing, I end up hearing some of their conversations, and can end up accidentally catching a glimpse of their details if they’re sat next to me.
Now I’m not alone in this – so I’m wondering how long before we see more people being regularly embarrassed by photos, video and reports being uploaded? And how long before those uploads start being linked back to that individual – not only if they search, but also via friends, family, and employers?
Could this mean we start to see people act a little nicer in their everyday life because they’re conscious any transgression could end up on Facebook/Twitter/Youtube/Flickr, and how will this impact on the way we live our lives? Will it lead to a more pleasant environment, or will it end up like a bad reality show as the pressure of the crowdsourced surveillance becomes too much?
And should it become normal to presume that any public space will put you under the watch of the wider digital world as well as those around you and the existing Governmental cameras?
I wouldn't say it's making us nicer people in terms of face-to-face interaction. However, the Internet does make me more conscious of my etiquette online, as I post comments on Facebook, blogs, etc. Being a professional social marketer has taught me a few lessons in listening to negative and positive feedback alike, so I am more attuned to concerns and how to respond in an understanding manner.
Hi Cory, Cheers for the comment – I totally agree that the offline etiquette hasn't been affected heavily yet, but I think what you say about online lessons will start crossing over soon. Look at Google's Marissa Meyer, for example, snapped at a wedding, and the photo appears in an advert, for example, or the images and mentions of anyone from conferences and events. Slowly that starts to spread out to every interaction you're having, in a much lesser version of celebrity.