Although we give importance to the number of followers, maybe coming from the idea that is a reference point of success, is not necessary as that, and without a steady exercise of exchange, it becomes a Zero-sum game and with no impact to a chaotic planet that desperately needs it. We get used to visiting pages full of images and then realise that they run on a different rhythm, the speed of the visit is the same as their impact: ineffective and short, conditions inadequate to build a world resilient and solid on their actions.
We have learned that the power of images is stronger than the power of words and their sad consequences.
If we go through the most followed accounts on Twitter we see that is not precisely about networking –as it may be expected- but the simple accumulation of followers mostly looking for entrainment. Maybe not the case that applies for President Trump or Barack Obama, but taking into account the strategically political marketing focused on creating show we see that once again, results are measured through the lenses of “being on stage”. A devastating and sometimes cruel reality that demand to be addressed differently and make of virtual politics not a show, but a dynamic tool that delivers information within accessible vocabulary for all.
However, the scenario is reduced to debates that demand high expertise or simply entertainment without ethics. Is it indeed very difficult to find a serious analysis without biases and staging. Sadly is it understood that is the way to gain votes as people are systematically pushed to connect on a simplistic basis, not to learn, just getting amused without further reflection.
If we do not make sure that there is a more sophisticated work from users we are just letting social media be a wash brain tool to manipulate and achieve obscure agendas. So far of what it ought to be: platforms that boost creativity and open-minded generations that interact, exchange, and build new structures around digital alternatives within a multiple crisis world that demands precisely new and fresh thoughts.
Is it proven that using the correct way is the best way to build solid professional relations and develop innovative approaches, besides, is a beautiful opportunity for personal relations, different but also empowered by the confidence and comfort that represent a virtual world.
If not, is a business for a few ones: selling products, political partisan manipulation, feeding hate, spreading lies, etc. mediocrity thoughts that go nowhere. Having as a result precisely the contrary of what they are meant to be: division and misinformation.
It seems that “knowing people” it’s part of our “must-have” to success because our social media and professional network make us believe that we need to move forward through a wide range of people, but is it need it? Is it what truly makes us professional successful or personal fulfilled?
True networking it’s much more than that, is not only about professional aspects, is real connection and exchange on a steady action. That is the big mystery of networking: a personal daily work that sometimes may acquire different shapes according to each place, personality, and culture. A versatile dimension that helps us grow if we make the correct steps –personal and professional-.
It is indeed a challenge, keeping a network alive and work for it on its real terms, not as a follower tracker but an engaged audience and committed action towards learning from the exchange and deep connection around the same interests.
There is a persistent focus on visibility not from a wise message but very short-term goals, instead of the long-term goal of a unique opportunity to change,transforming into an extraordinary platform of innovative, creative ideas , and not an addictive game that delivers the same outcome over and over again.
Is not just about individual efforts as usually does but the capacity from the different platforms to guide on how and when to interconnect, not simply adding more people but creating new outcomes beyond the own strategy of the platform No just images to look at it, but a message to deliver, not just to pretend but joint action effective and creative. Most of the time the mediocrity photo, video, comment, etc. is precisely part of the goal: platforms that are not sophisticated becomes completely irrelevant and allows simplistic thoughts to pop up. The role of the platforms on coordination and guidance is key to keep the balance and boost creativity in a massive way within a boomerang effect to the rest.
Networking supposes the use of connections as in chess: different pieces strategically positioned that work within creativity to win a game on joint action and sustainability in which the players compete to make the smartest move.
Making social media a revolutionary tool not a checkmate against transparency, accountability, and resilience.
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