Some Social Media Statistics from a Digital Marketing Blog

http://econsultancy.com/blog/5324-20+-mind-blowing-social-media-statistics-revisited

"Just Google it"? Not so fast...

According to a brand new study out of Northwestern University, many college students place too much trust in sites such as Google, Wikipedia, AOL, Yahoo!, etc.:

Not as Web Savvy as You Think

Thinking back on our past discussions on the intersection of the digital divide and credibility, it's interesting that this segment of the population, which is commonly considered as the most Internet savvy and connected, is not quite as discerning as we might expect when it comes to credibility.

Shirley Sherrod and Me

Hey guys,

Van Jones just wrote an op-ed in the NYT about Shirley Sherrod's resignation and offers some commentary on how the speed of the Internet-- and the ability to "edit" the truth-- has changed DC politics. Interesting and quick read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/opinion/25jones.html?hp

The Power of Social Networking

Below is a link to a 3 minute talk on how one little social news website called reddit.com and their fans single-handedly changed the course of a Greenpeace whale movement.

I just thought this was an interesting example of the power of the internet and social networking.

Enjoy!

http://www.ted.com/talks/alexis_ohanian_how_to_make_a_splash_in_social_media.html

ABC News Story On Social Media and Politics

http://abcnews.go.com/WN/youtube-facebook-twitter-social-media-revolutionize-politics/story?id=11230480

Twitter as a Mood Ring

I stumbled across (what I thought) was a novel, fascinating study that mapped the country's moods throughout the day -- using word analysis of Tweets.

Pulse of the Nation: U.S. Mood Throughout the Day Inferred from Twitter

According to the maps, the District and environs spend most of the 24-hour cycle feeling rather stressed, angry and generally unhappy, whereas life in the sunny states like Florida and California appears pretty relaxed and even-keeled.

Vacation ideas forming, anybody? :)

Apple's "Reception" problem

Saw this article in the Post today re: Apple's response to consumers frustrated with the iPhone 4/AT&T debacle. Though Pegoraro doesn't offer suggestions of what Apple should do to address the problem, he does discuss the damage being done as a result.

Steve Jobs, Apple feed backlash with response to iPhone 4 reception complaints
By Rob Pegoraro
Wednesday, July 14, 2010