Can we as individuals retain our real identity in cyberspace, or are we in danger of being possessed and manipulated by algorithms?

Social media has given us various exciting new ways to communicate and interact with friends and acquaintances, in personal and business lives. We can instantly access information on products and services, political and cultural news, academic research and scientific developments. Digital channels provide accessible, inexpensive broadcasting platforms from which to promote commercial, political or ideological messages to mass audiences.

One of the potentially negative aspects to all of this social media activity, of particular concern to thought-leaders and opinion-formers, is the phenomenon described as being in an “echo chamber.” Only connecting with friends and following organisations or other people who reflect and share your tastes and opinions means that your impressions largely reflect and reinforce what you already believe to be the “truth”.

We have a vested interest in promoting our event management service, but our passion for this industry is driven by having witnessed the impact and the benefits of live events. Both the host organisations and those who attend live events are invariably enriched by the experience.

We are all programmed to be sociable, as that is how we develop as human beings. Tribal instincts, suspicion and prejudice are all natural barriers to peaceful coexistence, which is why Winston Churchill recognised that “Jaw, Jaw is better than War, War.”  Whilst social media allows millions of people to “connect” with each other, it is only the first stage in the process of building personal relationships. Whether by sitting down together for a meal or debating issues and opportunities more formally, meeting in a neutral environment can be very productive.

Bringing people together, for positive reasons, is a way of improving mutual understanding and co-operation. We learn most when we listen. Sharing ideas, opinions, doubts and ambitions eventually results in stronger bonds of trust and commitment.

If you are an enterprise leader and want to keep people informed and “on message”, especially employees, channel partners and customers, then you should not rely entirely on social media. The most effective method of communication is using live events. You set the scene and the agenda.  You write the script and specify the environment. You control the budget and, if you work with us, you are able to measure your return on investment and the reaction from your audience by using Event ROI methodology in the planning and evaluation processes.