I recently read a fascinating article called Being a citizen online: New opportunities and dead ends. The article focused on a study that was done in 2002 which tried to find out the correlation between political activisim and internet use in the United States. The article argued that the internet has not enhanced in the engagement of politics, stating that it is a resource where people selectively seek out what information they want to learn about.
I disagreed with the researcher's conclusion about the uses of the internet. I think that the internet is a great tool for political issues and making citizens more aware of what is going on around the world. One of the most powerful features online are social networking sites. Websites such as Facebook, Google+, and Twitter have changed political strategies forever. During the presidential election in 2008 Obama's team relied heavily on social networking sites to spread his ideals and connect to the younger generation. Many people could ask him a question on Twitter and have it answered in a YouTube video, or donate money through Obama's website. I would go as far to make a bold statement saying that if it weren't for Obama's tech savvy strategies he wouldn't be in office today!
The internet also is a place where like minded people can create a community. In the fashion world bloggers have made fashion more accessible and have spiced up the industry. Many blogs focus on reporting fashion news and sharing opinions on various issues. There are also street style blogs where bloggers can share photos of fashionable people. Because of the internet a 15 year old girl from the Chicago Suburbs can blog about her views on fashion and be invited to glamourous fashion shows around the world (StyleRookie).
Here are some amazing fashion blogs, where the bloggers have become big names in fashion and owe thier fame to social networking...
Tavi Gevinson - Style Rookie
A 15 year old sensation from the Chicago Suburbs who has taking the fashion world by storm with her well written blog pieces on runway trends and fashion musings. She is currently working with the former founder of Sassy Magazine on a fashion publication.
Bryan Boy - BryanBoy
Bryan is a blogger who is from the Philippines and who was one of the first major fashion bloggers. Bryan started blogging at 17 on his parent's computer. He has connections with all the fashion players such as Marc Jacobs and Anna Dello Russo.
Jane Aldridge - Sea of Shoes
Jane is a girl from Texas with over 90 pairs of shoes! She started her blog with her mother in 2007. It has been very successful and has allowed her to do designer collaborations with Urban Outfitters and Gryphon.
No comments:
Post a Comment