The conversation prism

It was in the early years when Oliver and I had started Nameshapers. The first “conversation prism” was the perfect way to describe the vastness of social media and how to slightly navigate around which ones exist. Finding an old slide deck of ours where we would try, back in 2011, getting people to understand the scope of what is happening online and all the various platforms. It is near impossible to be active or use them all, it is, however, handy, and strategic, to have an idea which ones exist and make a choice which platforms are the ones you wish to use yourself.

Now, four years after the last update of this prism comes to the newest version you can download at www.conversationprism.com. The prism brings into play the current standings and platforms and how one can possible them. A lot has happened in the world of online media concerning growth, exposure, and usage. Some larger companies such as Facebook, Linkedin & Instagram are still going strong, and they also have a way of influencing both the direction as well as the narrative around the online world. Whilst others have passed along and been a blimp amidst the larger scope of things.

I have always been curious to see the possibilities of online media. It is interesting to know what can be used and what is coming up around the corner of innovation. I like to keep experimenting with technological advancements, especially if I see something pop up that triggers my interest. There is a particular loyalty that I have with particular platforms I have been using for many years; such as Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. Twitter seemed to fall on the back burner and one I more use during travels, and meet-ups when a hashtag or conversation is actively taking place. There are ‘darker’ sides to these mediums and how they work on our addiction to keep checking them, the privacy and exploitation of our data and of course the world of advertising around it.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master”- Christian Lous Lange

Most importantly I feel that it is not the medium that is what we should focus on than why and how you we use them? I try, as often as I can, to be aware of how invested I am in being online. The app moment is a great reminder of how much screen time I actually have. I often catch myself getting sucked into timeless vortexes of checking Instagram stories or endless scrolling through my Facebook timeline. It is at such moments that I find it good to stop and whether this is time is being well spent or not?

When it comes to my own sharing, I attempt to not worry what others may think and focus on what feels like a genuine way I can share my journey, insights, and reflections.

The thing I love about all of this, the online world that is, is how it can enable connection and keep people in touch. I noticed this especially with my family abroad both in the UK and Pakistan. I have also noticed this with many friends living abroad. There is a way of staying in touch that has more value to it than we give credit to. When the moment that we do see each other face to face, the catching up becomes a continuation of what we have been able to see and observe online; “How was that trip you took?”, or “That story you posted the other day really touched me” and other such anecdotes.

There is a side note of not forgetting that real life meetups should not be given less attention due to the online platforms. This is an easy trap to fall in I have noticed. I personally have a hard time staying in touch with friends, although I have , and every day to appreciate how important it is to put down all the online media connecting, and just be present where I am without the constant grabbing of my phone and wishing to share that moment.

The power of online

Jér?me Jarre said it beautifully in this talk below

“Social media is one of the reasons we’re the most powerful generation ever […] It’s like we have a spaceship and most people just use it to go to the grocery store to get groceries, while we could really go to the moon with the spaceship”

(Thanks Hanaa for sending this link through > hit the nail on the head)

Technology, apps and ways of connecting will continue to develop and change. The challenge will be how you as an individual will choose to use these mediums. My intention is to use them for good, positive impact, for connection and at the same time stay aware of my own persona, and values whilst doing so.