Deanna Zandt is a media technologist and consultant to key progressive media organizations including Alternet and Jim Hightower's Hightower's Lowdown. She also cohosts "TechGirl Tips" on GRITtv and GRITradio. Zandt states that this book is designed "to walk you through the ins and outs — the opportunities and potential pitfalls — of the social networking landscape, viewed through the lens of social change." She includes plenty of illustrations and graphics to make the reading more visually appealing.
In the past, newspapers, magazines, and television filled our heads with information but there was no way to share in the process except, perhaps, to write a letter to the editor. Now, Zandt notes, information has been released from hierarchical constraints. Through social technology tools we can share our stories and what interests us with large numbers of people.
While the author is excited about the connections that can be made between people, she is worried about the dangers of replicating bias and exclusion online. While 63% of all American homes now have broadband Internet service, only 46% of African-American homes do. On the other hand, Zandt believes that authenticity on social media is "a great equalizer that creates connections of empathy and trust with other people. When we share our experiences and opinions, we create the opportunities to establish ourselves as authorities in places that were previously the domain of only an elite few. With many more voices, and many more diverse sources of authority and information, we can begin to change how we operate culturally."
In a chapter titled "Sharing Is Daring," Zendt hits high stride and takes a hard look at ways to use the social media as an agent of change. In a very handy and helpful Resource Guide section, the author presents "Tips for Individuals," "Tips for Organizations," and "Crowdfunding Share This!"
