The rise and fall and rise of social media. The houtkop saga.

South Africa is abuzz with tales of “controversial social networking platform” Facebook and the group “Ek laaik nie n houtkop nie sou what“.

Ok. So, people, catch a wake up. This is social media. We’ve taken a soapbox, amplified the volume and opened it up to the entire country. You’re going to get some idiots. You’re going to get some politically motivated content. It happens.

I’d like to draw your attention to some important points here. Observations, if you will …

The speed and power of “the new web”. From some young varsity student’s bedroom to 702 Radio and beyond in the space of days, maybe even hours. We are dealing with a truly pervasive new platform. Even if 80% of South Africa remains unconnected, impoverished by the digital divide … the media is finding other ways to spread. Don’t forget our 38 million cellphones and the ever increasing ease-of-access they bring …

Look not to the destructive nature of the medium. I challenge you to visit that group and click through the Wall Posts.

Social Media is about community. The theory of community is that when it attracts the right kind of people around a value proposition (racists to racist content, business to business and positive people to positive stories… it will become self moderating. The very reason this platform thrives and spreads is that it instills a sense of ownership in every person that contributes. They feel responsible for its direction, its look, its feel, its little mini brand.

If everyone loved the group, more would join, and an “ek laaik” culture would be created. More photos of kids bearing guns in racially superior poses. If, however, most people thought this was blindly racist and offensive, they would shut it down, take it over and post their support of our democracy. Which is what they did.

I’m not upset at a small few who create contentious groups. I’m proud that our online community stood up and did something about it. That’s a tick for social media in my books … Let’s hope South Africa looks at both sides of the story when the post match analysis starts.

Granted. Everyone went a little overboard in the end. The group’s logo changed to Unite Against Racism and a long diatribe now greets visitors. Again, human nature shines through. Doesn’t everyone just want to hop on board when it makes you look good to be there.

Point made. We’re bored now. What’s the next fad to fill the morning show?

(And sorry for borrowing the Maverick cover title from the 702 story. It just seemed apt.)