A movie with many lessons, one being - Responsibility of online social celebrities

Original posted on my tumblr account here

http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/doobious

In midst of the craziness of work and school, I found some time to go catch the movie Contagion yesterday. I believe everybody active on the social networks should watch the movie. There are tons of lessons to be learned from the movie, but the one that I took away to be the most important is the responsibility of an individual that has a huge social following online.

Now I am not going to spoil it for all of you who haven't watched the movie, but to set the context, the character played by Jude Law in the movie is the Guy Kawasaki (not the best comparison but that's what comes to mind) kind of influencer in the movie. He has a video blog where he claims to be the source of the truth that is hidden by the government. There is a crisis in the world and he seems to be the one that uncovers it before anybody else and his blog following jumps to 12 Million unique visitors a day. Not to mention, now he becomes the center of attention of many in the government since he could stir things up at the time of crisis that could lead to a full on panic. However, until the first half of the movie, this character is honest to God individual, that is here to serve his followers and bring them the truth, as bitter as it maybe.

The twist happens when the crisis hits full on and certain hedge fund managers realize that this character might have some information that they could benefit from (hedge fund managers portrayed as blood sucking parasites - again. Wonder why? :-)). He is enticed by the potential to stray a group of his followers with the information that, instead of containing the panic, could lead to more panic. At first, he disposes of the proposition. But as it gets clear that there might be a point where the situation of crisis might be averted by some sound judgement calls from the administration, this character decides to monetize his following.

Now here is the lesson for those active in the social networks. Today, you might have a following of individuals that come to you for knowledge of what is happening in the world. And today, you might just share the news about Google launching +1 and Microsoft launching Win 8. But there will come a time, a time of crisis, where the same followers will look at you to give them the true information, along with some guidance. Now, if you have nothing to provide at that point but just an opinion, please state that it is an opinion. But under no circumstances betray the trust of these people. You are not just doing disservice to your followers but to the entire premise of social network.

So my recommendation, go watch the movie. It is a great movie, and you will learn a thing or two about the animal instincts in humans in the time of crisis. And please, be honest to you the people that look up to you! Do not try to monetize being a role model.

Thank you!