Remember pyramid selling ? Is it still going on ? I'd imagine it is as its a simple chain of commission led transactions that seemingly benefits all but rewards those at the top the most.
Social media has added a Worldwide dimension to the same principal. Once one person shares or likes something the cascade of like minded individuals provides a window into their world that advertisers will pay good money to exploit.
And it doesn't cost the follower anything.
But I'd challenge that as it may not cost you your hard earned cash but it costs you time and attention and they're two of the most valuable things we have in our finite lives.
Once the bandwagon is rolling, and depending on how 'popular' the chosen subject is your time-lines and feeds will fill with their thoughts and feelings.
And if you're not careful your own thoughts and feelings will be swamped which leaves us with a few key influencers and a glut of drones.
As a designer, original thought is my greatest skill. Give me a problem and my joy is to identify and sideline all the great ideas that have gone before and stand, often with my eyes squinting, to one side, and look again...to see whether my unique perspective on life has a new solution.
But why bother ? Surely if there are solutions out there that work you might as well use them. Well you can, and sometimes they might indeed be the best way, but if no one ever questioned or dared to dream of a different or better way then we'd still be stuck in the dark ages.
Human beings are wonderful, amazing things when they're allowed to be. Every nuance or experience or influence we have taken on gives us a unique take on the world we live in. Celebrate that, harness that, look to bring your perspective and then break the mould, challenge, inspire, dare I say 'think different'.
And it doesn't have to be an Earth shattering new invention or discovery. It can be as simple as smiling at the person opposite you on your morning commute when all around are embedded within their technology and scowling.
And yes, I am fully aware this is a blog, designed to be read and liked and shared, but I'd rather just talk to you.