Virtual communities and empowerment

My cousin’s wife was recently diagnosed with very serious cancer and her immediate friends and family have responded with a very interesting mix of technology and emotional support by creating an active virtual community.

They have set up a web site, created a brand “Barbstrong”, and brought her story to the attention of local media. Here’s a video the local CBS affiliate produced about her experiences.

You can read her story here.

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This has made me kind of interested in the role a virtual community can play in response to a crisis, or some other rallying issue in terms of empowering those involved.

'Everything on your plate is corn'

I gotta see if this is on Netflix. My housemate said it’s pretty eye-opening.

Social Networks and Obesity

Wanna lose weight? Get your closest friends to have healthier lifestyles…

Interview (interesting part) starts at 1:25ish.

The next study these folks are gonna undertake will look at specific foods people eat and graft it onto their social networks. Really compelling stuff.