What if the world was 100 people?

Anya Kamenetz wrote a great article on the case for generosity, saying “Couch-surfing is only the beginning, the Internet could unlock our natural impulse to share goals — and a global economy built on the kindness of strangers.”

How do people who study network effects measure kindness. I know they endlessly look for patterns, collect data – but are they missing the most un-observable element. They are quick to draw lines between numbers and life … but to be honest, dense, cold analysis is just that. What I like about strangers is that they are a gift – even if they are randoms – at least online they don’t make unnecessary eye-contact.

There is so much written in the name of research around the Web2.0 phenomenon – in efforts to quality, quantify in a neat little graph, I’m yet to read anything that deals with kindness of strangers. I know it’s popular to show videos of how big and fast everything is right now – but this took a somewhat different approach – and I liked it.

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3 Responses to What if the world was 100 people?

  1. Tony Richards February 23, 2011 at 11:14 am

    A great story on the basis of our world – these realities certainly change the way to view our world. I am working with students tomorrow on an activity using online tools to explore and share understandings of our ANZAC heritage. I think I might change my approach to look at what learning we can take from our past involvement to guide current and future activities to build a better world. One with kindness.

  2. Russell Darnley February 23, 2011 at 11:15 am

    Yes, I agree with these sentiments. Kindness and empathy are likely to be most positive outgrowths of connectivity, but they are hard ro measure, if indeed we want to try. Despite much fourth estate sensationalism that would seem to imply the contrary, there is much kindness in the world and it is on the increase.

    Great video, I’ve encountered this concept several times before, but this is a particularly good version.

  3. Pingback: Tweets that mention What if the world was 100 people? « -- Topsy.com

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