Session Information

2009 PUBLIC AFFAIRS CONFERENCE

Social Networking and Sustainability Issues

What role do – or can – or should – online social networking sites have in creating sustainable actions for a sustainable future? Given that networks such as Facebook have embraced various causes in an effort to empower individuals to “change the world,” championing worthwhile efforts from the Grameen Foundation to the UN’s World Food Programme, should we be more passionate and proactive about leveraging social networks to motivate positive sustainable actions? Is this “natural evolution of social networking” a worthwhile tool, or merely a conceit that gives people the self-satisfaction of thinking they’re making a difference and effecting change?