The Speed of the New Digital Media

Thanks to Facebook and the blogs, many of us were able to track Minister Yeo's unexpected turn of events in Thailand. I think several Chinese newspapers and the Straits Times covered the story from his net postings. It was not even an option just a few years ago.

That's what the genesis of the Internet is all about - when all main channels of communication (in this case the usual "meet the press" sessions) are not available like during a nuclear war or a major disruption, this is the fail-safe device to get the message across. It was an invention during the Cold War if I remember my net history correctly. But increasingly humans will want more speed when getting information- so the Facebook will beat the blogs in terms of immediacy, and who knows Twitter will beat the Facebook someday. And something else will beat the Twitter.

I saw a device at Eastgear computer store on Saturday. It is an orange looking waterproof gadget about the size of a digital camera. It is a GPS device that tracks where you go and it records your journey on any web-based map. Perhaps, someday all foreign Ministers and rock stars will be tagged this way and voters/fans/friends may give realtime comments as they travel. (For the rest of the mortals, the spouses and girlfriends will ask what the heck are we doing around the night joints at 2am when we should be in the office!!!)

This might sound Orwellian and a horrible invasion of privacy (not to mention the security risk) but people may just want to track other people this way. In the 21st Century, it may become a privilege to be worthy enough to be tracked.

Imagine Election 2015, I may get to see all the MPs doing their rounds for 2 weeks on Google map. Or you want to know where Obama will be as you track the US Election map. Google in UK can do that now. Getting the persons to carry a tagged device is another. It's a brave new, new world.

Harold Fock

Comments

[Donaldson Tan]

I look forward to track Opposition and PAP Candidates on Google Map at the next General Election. Haha...

[Harold Fock]

Actually the key issue is not to track the walkabout during election. (that was a tech joke). The real test of a good MP is whether he cares for his constituents and in touch with the residents' needs and issues. It should not be during GE we see the MPs frantically going from block to block with his entourage. It will be cool one day an MP with say a single grassroot leader just press the door bell randomly and say "Hi, how are things?"

Harold