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Social media Quote by Thomas L. Friedman

“Social media is good for collective sharing, but not always so great for collective building; good for collective destruction, but maybe not so good for collective construction; fantastic for generating a flash mob, but not so good at generating a flash consensus on a party platform or a…” quote by Thomas L. Friedman
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““Social media is good for collective sharing, but not always so great for collective building; good for collective destruction, but maybe not so good for collective construction; fantastic for generating a flash mob, but not so good at generating a flash consensus on a party platform or a constitution.””

Thomas L. Friedman

About This Quote

Source Article: “The Paradox of Social Media,” 2018

He critiques social media’s dual nature: it facilitates sharing but hampers collective building and consensus formation.

In simple terms: Social media spreads ideas but hinders unified action.

Key Takeaway

Use platforms wisely, fostering constructive collaboration.

Themes

technology communication society

Mood

analytical forward‑looking

Type

media strategic

When to use this quote

  • marketing
  • political campaigns
  • community organizing
  • media strategy

Key Concepts

collective action digital dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we turn sharing into building?
  • What mechanisms foster genuine consensus?
A Different Perspective

Risk of echo chambers.

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