What role does social media play in creating the zeitgeist?

Absrtact: Arinachfenton, editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post, Arinachfenton is editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post and chairman of the media group, according to foreign media reports. She is not only a well-known columnist, but also publishes 13 works, including Picasso and the American-Greek

Arina Huffington, editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post

According to foreign media reports, Arina Huffington is the editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post and the chairman of the media group. She is not only a well-known columnist, but also publishes 13 works, including the autobiography of Picasso and the Greek soprano Callas (Mariacallas). In 1998, she openly shifted political leanings from conservatism to freedom, emphasizing political participation that spanned the differences between the two parties. Recently, Arena on the social network related issues received Co.exist network interview.

Co.exist: In the article "Resonance of the rise of the United States," You mentioned the "service embodied in the spirit of the Times" point of view, what does this mean? What role does social media play in creating the zeitgeist?

We have seen signs of a "time shift". Whether individuals, businesses or advertisers are increasingly aware that to better meet the needs of consumers, they should be involved in a sexual, material, monetary, self-interest-related activities. People yearn for the meaning of life, they do not want to exist only as consumers. They want to play a role in their communities and countries and have an impact on the lives of others.

With the rise of social media, this trend is rapidly expanding. Social media allows people of the same interest to come together, which helps companies to explore consumer interests. But here's the problem: When companies use social media to investigate user habits, it also requires companies that enter social space to pay more. The barriers to participating in social media activities are higher, and once entered, a company can no longer just hide behind those gorgeous ads.

Co.exist: You are a staunch defender of your own values. Social media is also your microphone. When did you realize the impact of social media on you?

First, social media is just a means, not an end. Social media is indeed a good weapon to share ideas and values. But calling it a "megaphone" is not accurate. Because this argument emphasizes a single direction of communication, the essence of social media is to open dialogue and build relationships. Every day, I am invited to a number of media conferences, including groups focused on social media activities. They are interested in how to use social media to magnify news, but few people ask what the message is. American writer Thoreau wrote in 1854: "We are anxious to establish a telegram from Maine State to Texas, but perhaps there is nothing important in these two states to communicate." ”

What happens every day shows the influence of social media, but some things are particularly prominent. I remember going to Greece last year. At the time, protesters gathered at the constitutional plaza in Athens. Like everyone else in the world, Greek protesters have gathered through social media. On a protest-themed Facebook page, there are as many as 15200. This shows how intimate the connection between social media activity and face-to-face communication is. The involvement of social media has been reflected in the activities that I have been doing, and every time I see a taxi driver, a salesperson, and anyone who can see it around, is talking about the same thing.

Co.exist: Why do you pay more for your time and money?

When we pay our own time, both the donor and the recipient will be affected. Every time my daughter experiences a difficult time in life, they are helping others find the strength and means to solve their own problems. A few years ago, my daughter was suffering from eating disorders. When she volunteered to look after the problematic child, she also changed her mind about her problems. Helping others can help you face up to your problems, which will certainly take you time. It can be said that paying time and money is the quickest way to change the world.

Co.exist: What is your definition of generosity?

My view of generosity comes from my mother. Her generosity is contagious. She likes everyone because trust and intimacy are contagious, so the people around you like her in turn. And she has no hierarchy of ideas. One night, in London, my friend came over to dinner with the former prime Minister Edward Hith. Mother was in the kitchen talking to the plumber who came over to solve the problem. When I left the kitchen, I heard my mother ask the plumber what he thought of the Prime minister. The plumber complained that the prime Minister did not understand the worker class. So the mother went to the restaurant and asked the Prime minister to talk to the plumber for a while. Her generous spirit infects everyone she sees, and the result is a very harmonious relationship.

Co.exist:: Say three people, and their generosity inspires you the most?

The first is Jacqueline Novergalaz (Jacqueline Novogratz). As the initiator of Acumen Fund, a well-known public-equity venture fund, she combines her financial knowledge with compassion and invests in startups around the world, changing the lives of many people. Under her leadership, the Smart fund invested 75 million of dollars in South Africa, bringing important resources to the poor. She certainly sets a good example for those who try to change the world's inequities and inequalities.

The second is Blaine Boy (Brian Boyle). He suffered a fatal car accident in 2004, lost 60% of his blood and 36 times in subsequent surgeries. Now he is a triathlon athlete, running with the Red Cross's logo. He called on everyone to donate blood, and has held a number of blood donation activities throughout the country.

The third is Jennifer Pahaka (Jennifer Pahlka), and her generosity is another. She uses her wisdom to create more and better opportunities for others. As the founder of the Code for America Organization, she understands that only by combining our country's own inventions and innovations can we solve the city's most immediate problems. The Code for America provides a platform for experts and cities across the country, actually affecting a lot of people's lives.