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Thinking Digital: How social media changed the world

IT WASN’T until journalist Christian Payne overturned his Land Rover on black ice, that he truly recognised the power of social media.

The blogger and podcaster with readers and listeners in over 60 countries, made a short film as he emerged from the wreckage of the crash scene and immediately uploaded it to his website.

Within minutes he was receiving phone calls with offers of hire cars, repair and rescue and even a crane to help move the vehicle.

Speaking at Thinking Digital at The Sage Gateshead, he explained why Twitter, iphone apps and the ever-increasing array of social networks available are transforming journalism and the wider world.

His recent projects have included documenting the plight of Iraqi refugees for the United Nations; expanding the Open University’s new media remit; and working alongside Reuters on groundbreaking projects with Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

Urging everyone to harness the endless possibilities of social media, he said: “Take part, get involved, share and engage. I’ve had so much fun doing this and it’s completely changed the way I work and look at the world.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .