Kony 2012 Video - Thoughts?

Derek Mehraban's picture
Instructor
3/15/2012
Social Media, Youtube

Consider sharing it with your friends.

Here is a great example of using video for social media. Video talks about connections and influencing the world. Many of you referenced this in your video homework last week. For those who haven't seen it, it's worth a look. Is it impactful for you? Does it work as a social video? Take a few minutes to experience Kony 2012.

Comments & Feedback

Student

This video may have some pressing unanswered questions, but the idea is that it got people talking, and sparked conversation. Genocide that has been taking place for such a long time was finally brought to the surface. I can remember my sophomore year in highschool, an actual survivor came and talked to us about his journey to the United States and losing his brother (still doesn't know if he is alive) in the middle of the night by the "troops" to militarize him. 4 years later this video exploded all over the internet and social media outlets. I felt like finally someone would here these stories and the truth was finally being exposed. This sickness is reality and is happening to our fellow man just across those waters. This social media explosion was fantastic and got people moving and THINKING about the situation at hand. Any type of information and knowledge is power and unless we have that, not much will change.

Student

I think that Kony 2012 was a great campaign in the way it showed how fast things can go viral. It is amazing, how in our world now we can link people from all across the world. I think that the efforts of this campaign are amazing. I do however feel that the timeline of this campaign was too long. It was very exciting and lots of things happened as a result of the campaign in the beginning but then towards the end people started to forget and word stopped spreading. I was expecting to see a lot more Kony signs after the “Cover the night”. I think that this campaign shows how it is easy for people to get informed through social media platforms but it takes a lot more to get people away from their computers, taking action in order to make a difference.

Student

During the summer, I took a course and did the final presentation about KONY 2012. Actually, there's a debate on the truthfulness of the information the video delivered. Moreover, some scandals (such as the video editor masturbating on the street, native Ugandan people criticize on the fake information in the video) were reported and as a result, many people have become rational in reevaluating this video. But admittedly, the video really arouse a large amount of international social movements after it was released. So why were people agitated? Based on the literature review of viral marketing/viral communication, we realized that some elements within the video were consistent with the academic findings about why a content went viral. Those elements are: 1) Using high arousal and emotional appeal. The bloody scene, the tears of that Uganda child could generate people's sympathy; 2) Using celebrities. 20 and 12 itself is a strategy to encourage people to join by using politicians and artists; 3) Showing conformity. An important element in the video is it showed that the campaign had already started and many people had already joined. This is one of the best way to call for wider range of people.

In sum, although the value of this video is open to be doubted, it was successful in terms of building awareness and generating behavior. The tactics of the content are very inspiring in planning social media campaign. Because no one can conceive social media campaigns without keeping viral marketing as the desired result.

Student

Kony 2012 blew up because of social media. It had as many hits because social media can make such an impact; powerful and yet questionable.

The video was well done and pulled on your heartstrings emotionally, but it wasn't a fair journalistic video essay. What about the other side? Did it mention what the U.S. is trying to do? Or the fact that helping stop Kony is jingoism? Did the millions of people pay attention to the aspects of the video that were skewed?

Social media is social- but sometimes people take advantage of it being that. It's like rumors spreading the old-fashioned way, but with more reach. I think people need to be wary of what is put out there on social media. So yes, the video spreads as the producer hoped, but I don't think it was completely fair.

Student

The Kony 2012 video made a huge impact for those that saw it, and those who didn't. Everyone was talking about it. I think it worked very well as a social video and the campaign was brilliant. People cared and it accomplished it's goal of getting people to know who Kony is and wanting to stop him. The only thing about the video that I think wasn't a success was the part where people were supposed to get involved. At first, everyone wanted to be involved. However, the video came out so much earlier than when "Cover the Night" was supposed to take place, so people had forgotten about it by then. I did see some Kony 2012 things on April 21st, but not as much as I had thought I would when I first saw the video.

Student

After seeing this video, and having a campus uproar about this subject - I dont really think its legit. I feel like its just a scam, but the idea is really thoughtful. This has been on the news forever and i feel that it just isnt made out to be what it seems like. I dont know the facts enough to prove this, but I honestly feel like its just a virial video to get attention. It works as a social video because it was so popular and went virial so fast. It didnt impact me just because i've heard of it before, and I dont believe it was an actual "saving" experience. 

Student

Great video, however, can we actually believe it? If you do some research you'll find out that this has been going on for quite some time now. Also, Kony has been exiled from the country for sometime now. The guy who made this video gets paid a nice sum of money to make videos like this all year round. The foundation that they want you to donate to also keeps a majority of the money, a pretty schmuck move for a "non-profit" organization. So before you fall victim to these enticing videos, do some research, and maybe a little background info before conclusions are made. 

Student

Social media has proven itself as an essential tool in implementing cultural shifts. The speed of diffusion is incredible and can unite and amass groups of people who would otherwise not be in contact. I realized the power of social media outside of its novelty last year when it was used by Egyptian protesters to overthrow their oppressive government. I think this video is extremely impactful because it delivers the message in a sincere, effective manner. Rather than an advertisement, this video connects with its viewers and calls them to action for something that would be hard to argue against its righteousness. Getting people talking is a cornerstone to implementing a change and this video accomplished that.

Student

I think this video is very impactful for me.  It educated me on what is going on around the world.  It also made me think about how fortunate I am and makes me appreciate where I live, my family, and how and where I was brought up.  I think it does work as a social video.  People are hearing about Kony and not understanding what is occuring or who he is.  The video educates the public about what is happening in that area and the horrible things that are going on.  

Student

This is my first time seeing this video and all I have to say is that it is very impactful. I believe the best way to spread news that is important can be social media. It is definitely been a viral hit with the spread of the issue and concerns. This 30 minutes video has an astounding amount of hits. That many people took the time to view the entire video. The video is such a controversial issue that the government should make the world more aware about. So far, the social video is an attention grabber and in my opinion, will become an even bigger issue to come.

Student

I find it very fortunate that our countries citizens have the power to gain national interest in assisting areas around the world that need desperate help.  It is ironic how the voice of the regular citizen was able to create such an interest to gain national attention.  In addition to our citizens making valiant request to help the world, strength in numbers is what will drive our nations elites to take the giant leap and grant helpless nations with our resources.  This video is truly inspiring and thought provoking.  The intentions Americans have and the willingness to see that others around the world suffer on such a dangerous level shows amazing empathetic attitudes.

 

Student

Clearly this video is something that has become viral across the net.  I havn't yet seen it streaming in my facebook, but definitely have seen it across twitter multiple times.  This Kony movement is something that needs to be brought to attention, or else future generations are going to feel the devastations.  Even though we are most likely not going to be directly affected by this, I believe that our government can take action to directly effect the outcome of the future.  This is great that it blew up on the social media, because it is a topic that can generate feelings out of consumers that aren't even associated with this.  

Student

Clearly this video is something that has become viral across the net.  I havn't yet seen it streaming in my facebook, but definitely have seen it across twitter multiple times.  This Kony movement is something that needs to be brought to attention, or else future generations are going to feel the devastations.  Even though we are most likely not going to be directly affected by this, I believe that our government can take action to directly effect the outcome of the future.  This is great that it blew up on the social media, because it is a topic that can generate feelings out of consumers that aren't even associated with this.  

Student

In my opinion this video definitely works as a social video. With over 83 million views it clearly pushed some buttons with many people. It's highly controversial which is a good way to spread something these days because with the internet and everything at the tip of our fingers you have to produce something very insightful and controversial to stick out from the rest. It's so powerful watching Jacob saying they would rather be dead than on this planet because he can't even afford school and no one is taking care of him etc. Hearing him sob over the death of his brother is heartwrenching. I think another thing that makes this video effective is the fact that it has an expiration date. Although I have heard of Invicible Children Inc I didn't know much about it and what it was about or the problems in Uganda until I saw this video. Another really impactful part of this video is watching him explain to his son what Kony does and what makes him a bad person and how he kidnaps kids into the LRA. We have it so easy here it's common to forget things like this are happening around the world. 

Student

This is obviously a great resouce for recognition of issues through social means. I am happy that an issue that effects many people is getting notice finally in the media of the United States, but at this point the issue itself is mute in the eyes of the citizens it is trying to serve. I understand that the people behind this video are trying to help, but the people of this issue are not interested in getting help with Koney 2012, because there his presence is no longer an issue. There are videos on YouTube and other places that outline their feelings and I hope that more people will look into these resources to find out about this issue.

Student

The video definitely made an impression. Regardless of Jason Russell’s intentions, I felt that he highlighted an important message about the ignorance of people towards what goes on around our world. The Invisible Children's commitments are admirable and applaudable. This is an interesting video that I found after watching the Kony 2012 video, talking about the aftermath postvideo.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/03/kony-creator-jason-russell-felt-intense-pressure-friend-says.html

 

 

Student

This video provides a useful way of learning what is going on in the world, both positive and negative.  Videos are an easy way of connecting socially and sharing all kinds of stories, ideas, and situations.  Providing people with visuals that go along with words and statistics go a long way in reaching them and instilling a stronger feeling.  As the video shows, it's easy to share a video.  It's just as easy to click "play" and simply watch what's being played for you.  No effort necessary.  The effort comes in the actions you take after watching it.  Share it, take actions, spread the word, or just forget about it.  Either way, videos are the most hands-on approach to connecting socially.

Student

Judging by the success this video has received, it is obvious that it works as a social video.  It is informative and entertaining, and it has caught the attention of millions of people.  I think it is has made an impact on many people, myself included.  Considering that the attention span of most web viewers is around 30 seconds, the fact that so many people have watched this 30 minute video is outstanding.  It shows that the video is well made and contains content that is actually interesting to many people.  The Kony 2012 movement that was relatively unknown just a few weeks ago has gained an incredible amount of support in an incredibly short amount of time.  Using social media to gain support on this level is something that I have never seen before.  I think this video has opened the door to a whole new way of gaining support for a cause, and while it may be the first of its kind, it will most definitely not be the last.

Student

I saw this video when it went viral over spring break. I think it is a great example of how social media really influences people all around the world. I remember watching it in the morning and by that night it was all over every social media network. I think it was a good idea on how to promote a cause. It got the word out there and makes people want to know who Kony is and what is going on. Although the video was long, it caught my attention the whole time. I think the way the video was produced also gave it more credibility and played a part in making it successful. 

Student

Funny that I looked at this blog post last out of all the homework, because I created my blog post on #Kony2012 today for our assignment (without even knowing this was the subject today). This video is absolutely amazing. It is a perfect example on how THE CONSUMER (via word-of-mouth, and viral marketing) now has the control over big companies. KONY 2012 has inspired many young people by connecting with them on an emotional level. I definitely was affected & want to be part of the movement! 

Student

The way social media was used to promote the horrible situation in Uganda was incredible. This is an amazing example of how improtant social media is to display issues that are important and need attention. With the youtube videos, facebook groups, tweets, ect. this issue gained so much more publicity than it could of done any other way. People taking a stand to promote an issue as critical as this is what the new age of media is about. It works amazingly as a social video, and is very impactful. It is amazing what the internet and social media can do to help people in need across the world. I truely hope this campaign puts a stop to the horrible things that are going on in Uganda, and other countries as well.

Student

I had not seen this video before this blog post.  I found it incredibly impactful and heartbreaking.  I think that this video can make people want to start change and make them want to get involved in stopping Kony. 

I think the part where the narrator was explaining what he does to his son was the most moving for me.  Seeing this innocent child being told about something awful in the world and seeing him try to comprehend it was so impactful.  Seeing him say he wanted to stop him made a strong point.  If a little kid can see that Kony is bad and needs to be stopped, why can't our government?

I think that this works as a social video.  It has a purpose through which people can come together.  It has a call to purpose in order to get people involved. It has ways to access the program all throughout the video, so that even if people don't watch all the way to the end, they still know how to get in contact if they so desire. It kept an audience because it had something important to say.  As an advertising major, I thought that they did a great job with this video.

Student

What's surprising to me is that I was actually a part of this movement 4-5 years ago in high school and did not fully understand what was going on in Uganda until now. Kony 2012 was brought to my attention recently because I heard people talking bad about it. They said it was false and just a social media scam. Scam or not, it brings up valid points in the video. People are very ignorant towards things happening around the world and usually don't care until it affects them. A good way to educate people and share these events are through social media. I think Invisible Children made a huge impact. They have done a great job educating and informing young high school/college students through facebook, their website and other tools such as this viral video. 

Student

I haven't actually even watched the Kony video, yet I am learning facts about the situation just from people talking and posting about it online. This speaks a lot about social media being used to spread ideas or influences, as people don't even necessarily need to see the original post, as they will hear about it from their friends depending on how big it gets.

Student

Firstly, Kony definitely works as a social video. It has been shared through my twitter, my instagram and especially my facebook for the past few weeks. The video has attained more than 83 million views and has had created many responses. I think that the video does impact me.. because I do believe that what we do NOW will impact generations to come. I want my family and friends to know years from now, that I was someone who did things. Someone who took action in what she believed. And even though Jason Russell is under a lot of scrutiny right now, he took charge in something he believed that the world should know... should take part in. That's big. That pretty brave.

I don't know much about tribes, and I don't know much about the people who live on the other side of the world. But that doesnt mean I don't care about that. that we should just turn our cheek. Our society as a whole, no matter how small they are individually- it's important to stick together in order to have a voice. It's cool that people can work towards such a great cause.

However, the only unfortunate outcome of this video being SO personal, is that I am sure it has added to stress levels and personal attacks towards it's creator.

Student

When I innitially saw this video last week I was intrigued not only by the video itself, but how it managed to become viral across everywhere I went on the internet. After doing some research, which I'm sure a lot of people have heard, this project was under attack by many individuals, blogs, and websites. The Invisible Children Foundation was then accused to viral marketing to promote and commercialize this "cause" that was insanely critisized. The film maker Jason Russell apparently took the critisisms so hard that he had a (naked) breakdown in public. So, sure, of course it's a viral video. But the content, facts, and motives for this video are questionable.

Student

Kony 2012 is absolutely one of the best representations of how impactful social media has become. I first heard about this video when I received a dozen notifications on Facebook during my alternative spring break in New Orleans. I didn't know if I was just extremely out of the loop because I wasn't tuned into the news all week, but this video literally did pop up overnight. It spread to 58 million views in about a week, and that says it all. It absolutely is a social video because of its call to action: social media sites everywhere show reposts of the video, telling people to spread the word with flyers and anti-Koney awareness campaigns on certain dates throughout the U.S. At MSU the date is April 20, 2012. This is probably the first-ever socially impacting video I have seen of this magnitude, and because of it's success in bringing awareness to the issue I'm sure it will not be the last.

Kony 2012

Student

The KONY 2012 video has redefined success in viral marketing. While this video isn't marketing a product or service, it markets a cause, and the final goal for this project was still awarness and action, much like the goals of corporations. This video spread like wildfire because of its captivating nature and the way it engages the audience. This video promotes a cause the way no commercial, no word of mouth, no other form or media could. It uses a free service provided by YouTube and has reached millions of people around the world. Videos like this prove that any marketer who can provide engaging content, even if it isn't this serious, can still connect with large numbers of people and get effective consumer feedback.

Student

I thought this video was pretty amazing. It's extremely impactful with everything is showed and spoke about. This is an example of a successful social video for many different reasons. One of these reasons is because it's so shocking and impacting. When we see or hear something that draws us in, we cannot help but to continue with it and even share with those close to us. This video brought surprising facts and videos and presented them to us in a unified way. This is one of those videos that you do not just stumble upon, but hear about from others.

Student

I surpsingly had not seen this video until this post. It was truly an inspiring video and I think was a great use of social media. This is definitely impactful for me as well as many others I am sure. It is unbelievable how much social media can effect the lives of people and influence people around the world. One video can be seen by people all over the world and people are instantly emerged in whatever the video is about, then sending it on to their friends and family which spreads around the world. I think this is an outstanding form of social media and it was extremely beneficial but it was a bit long and I think in order to gain the focus of most viewers, a short video with something big and shocking at the beginning would be better to gain attention and then from there have more longer videos that go indepth and really tell the story. Todays world is all about quick access and finding something at the tip of your fingers, so I think this social media campaign is a great idea!

Student

KONY 2012 is a perfect example of last week's lesson on "going viral". The video was posted on Youtube and due to the social media resonse involed, allowed for an exponential amount of views as more and more people became exposed via their community. This use of the web to enable a connected network resulted in many people all over to become involved with such a massive social movement in a variety of ways. Joseph Kony and his disgusting actions must be stopped!

Student
Student

KONY 2012 is the PERFECT example of video use for social media. I was impacted and influenced by it initially by its popularity when it went viral, but also by its poweful message. Something doesn't go viral over nothing, there has to be something there. KONY has that something and its message is getting across because people actually do care and pay attention, even when it seems like they don't. KONY is probably the biggest social video to make an impact this year and I'm certainly glad that it did.

Student

I have been hearing about Kony 2012 for a couple of weeks now, and I finally took the time to watch it.  I definitely think that this video is impactful in how the message is delivered to the viewers.  It is straightforward and doesn't ask a lot from the viewer, except to be aware of what's going on and to try and make a change.  I think that it works as a social video because of how it went viral on Facebook and Twitter soon after it was uploaded to YouTube.  Videos like these do make a difference because of how many people it can reach.

Student

It is apparenty how fast a viral video can be spread across the world, hence its name.  Videos such as the Kony seen about was all over my Facebook page from people in all different circles of friends.  You can see the power it holds as informations can be seen and heard as fast as wild fire.  I believe it to work as a social video for it gets people to really talk about it.  As I mentioned before, many different circles of friends found this video to be very controversial.  There were different opinions everwhere and we could read and learn more about it.  I believe it is impactful to me because I am such a vidual learner.  The video is able to portray so much more than just words.  Often times there are not enough words to express something.  The something can be expressed through use of videos.

Student

There is no doubt about the incredible power that can be harnessed by social media through the use of video. Countless people have seen fame and fortune simply by posting a video on the internet. While child abduction is nothing new, the Kony 2012 video has definitely been very impactful in supporting a great cause. On top of the rediculous number of views the video has already received, the simple fact that it has made it through filter after filter, ultimately reaching this class and myself, is quite impressive. My time is very limited and valuable so, aside from video's that I come upon on my own, it is very rare that I watch or even hear about an online video from a source outside of the internet. Was this video impactful? Yes. Effective? Definitely!

Student

This video definately impacted me. I had heard about this effort somewhat. I do feel like it's a bit to long to be social media friendly though. If it were more like 10 minutes long, people would pay more attention to it. However, I do like their guerilla style advertsing and social media attack.

Student

While Kony was definitely a huge hit in terms of viral internet marketing, and goes to show how an effective strategy can quickly become successful when using social media, I've heard a lot of sketchy things about the invisible children foundation. I've heard they only use 33% of their donations to go to Africa, which I thought was extremely low. Now it's come out on TMZ that the guy who made this video is in a psych ward right now for streaking, indecent exposure, and other really weird stuff. Go to TMZ for the video link of the guy acting crazy, it's actually pretty funny.

Student

Kony 2012 is a great example of the impact that social media can have on a campaign. Whether one agreed with the video or not, the half-hour long campaign video got people talking. I felt the video was incredibly impactful. I learned a lot about an organization that I probably would never have known anything  about. It went viral within a matter of days and set off a chain reaction. Whether my friends were posting positive things about it on Facebook or critiquing it on Twitter, the social buzz about it was huge. People are still talking about it and discussing the different events that go along with it. Even thought the time of the video was pretty long, many people watched it the whole way through and I think that says a lot about the impact it had. I think this video is a perfect example of how campaigns can go viral through social media.  

Student

This video is an example of how new media and social media can impact the world in such a small period of time. With the millions of online views on YouTube and Vimeo, in such a short period of time, it has proven just how impactful the message has been. While on the longer side of an online video, it has shown that the public is ready to start watching longer videos, at least for a good cause. The fact that people have spread this video so widely shows the way that the world is changing and how one person can be part of a bigger thing.

 

Student

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind when it comes to the Kony 2012 viral video. First, everyone and their mom watched it and posted it on Facebook and Twitter. Then, people started criticizing those who were posting for jumping on the activism band wagon. Then the Invisble Children charity came under fire after announcing how much of their donations actually go to helping bring down Joseph Kony. And most recently, the mastermind behind the viral video, Jason Russell, seems to have gone off the deep end, landing himself under psychiatric care. While many people on Facebook are lashing out, saying they have "been aware for a long time, and no one cared until now", I have this to say; they care NOW. Now is the most important time because what we are doing in the now can affect the future. 

Student

I believe KONY 2012 was a very successful viral video, impactful and currently reaching over 83 million on YouTube alone. The KONY 2012 campaign already has the attention of numerous celebrity endorsers and politicians. True the film seems to be at least 10 years in the making, leaving it somewhat outdated. But this seems to be one of the only key complaints the public are having. If success was found where there were once refusals for support I don’t see why the task can’t be accomplished again. If enough people know and care about what is happening on this planet, the goals of the video may be realized. Joseph Kony has taken note and gone further into hiding, but why can’t he be found if enough people are willing to put time and energy into the project? I am sure it will take years to raise the funds necessary to travel into other countries besides Uganda to track down Joseph Kony. But making him famous, and ever easier to find while the political process moves along can’t hurt right?

KONY 2012

 

 

Student

I think that Kony 2012 is a great example of the power of things becoming "viral." Simply due to new media marketing, Kony 2012 was a focus of the world. It raised awareness, and gained exposure. As far as it "working" for me- if judged purely on the video- then yes. But since the video has been released- I've read articles that the guy that made it has recently been arrested for indicent exposure in Cali, and that most of the money raised by donations was mainly going towards plane tickets to go to Africa and back- instead of directly helping the children. I think that its a cause that needs to looked at, and that people from around the world do need to step in a help- and this video def made an impact.

Student

Kony 2012 is the most successful social media campaign to date because its YouTube video went viral in the shortest amount of time and generated an enormous amount of views. I was notified of the campaign via Facebook and Twitter. Almost everyone is very passionate and adamant about supporting the cause and trying to make change. At the same time, others are skeptical about it and requesting more information. Regardless if people support the campaign or not, Kony 2012 did a superb job creating buzz and awareness, which was the goal. Future campaign designers should study and learn from what Kony 2012 did, so they can also try to create the latest phenomenon.

Student

Like some of the other people commenting on this post, I've also heard some pretty sketchy things about this organization. Now, I haven't looked much into whether or not these negative claims are true, but I would be really upset to hear if they were taking advantage of the cause. That being said, regardless of the integrity of the organization, I think someone has beautifully crafted a social media campaign. Someone clearly knew what they were doing, and their hard work is paying off. I guess I'll just have to do some more research to find out if I should support their efforts or not...

 

Student

I think that KONY video is incredibly impactful, just look at how many views it already has. The video was made very well and combined different elements to create a video that really empowers the individual with this cause. I appreciated how personal the video was and it makes you feel like this cause is not half way around the world but right in your backyard. It works as a social video because it utilizes great video technology and gives an immense amount of information about the cause. I certainly don't think it gives enough background on the situation but then again, that would basically be impossible. I think the video does what it was meant to do, which is to get more people thinking about this cause.

Student

It's hard to view a video like this and think it has little impact on a person. In saying this, theirs obviously people in the world that partake in similar activities that would not think anything of a video like this, but to the "respectable" person, it seems to hit a certain part of your soul. The matter of child abduction (abuse) is simply not tolerated in most parts of the world, hence the beginning part of this video starts with a global view to offer that perspective. There is a reason that this video has gone viral and gained the attention it deserves, its cause its a matter we could all do our part in helping. With over 83 million views, the "Invisible Children" campaign is picking up speed in helping bring down Kony. It goes to show the effect of social media, it can bring down violent regimes, as was the case with Egypt, and it can help bring horrible people like Kony to justice. It can save a life, one click at a time, and that is the optimization of social media. 

Student

 

This is a tremendous example of how a video can go viral, and become so popular. People begin posting, and reposting, and making it apart of their social media lives. Which is great because it spreads awareness.  But, a big problem is the word of mouth and support from social media makes people not look into the matter further. I am not saying that the invisible children movement is bad, but I’ve heard both good and bad about the Invisible Children Movement. These videos spread and gain blind support. That is the problem. People tend to go on the bandwagon, and become strong believers and followers from JUST these videos. Research should be conducted on behalf of all of the social media followers of the movement. But, the video is great in the sense it bring awareness.

Student

I do think this video was part of an incredible social media movement. The views on the video BOOMED and people shared this on all of their social media sites. I do think this video did a great job creating the awareness of this issue - but it barely scratched the surface. It is a huge issue that has been around for a long time. And, unfortunately, a lot of bad press came out of this too questioning the credibility of Invisable Children and its creators. Still, the video itself did its job - it created awareness. I just hope it inspired others to investigate a little more.

Student

I think that in certain ways it does work well as a social media tool.  This video spread around the country in probably not much more than 48 hours and people are STILL talking about it.  I think it made a huge impact on the American people as to what this is all about.  Unfortunately, this video came a bit on  the late end - I first heard about the invisible children many years ago when a short documentary came as a bonus with another DVD I purchased.  From there, I have followed the African disfortune and have found that there are a HUGE number of warlords out there.  Kony is not alone.  This has been a problem plauging a large portion of the African continent for decades.  While I am glad that Americans are finally starting to realize the problem, it goes well beyond Kony and his army.  Check out this video about the Liberian government.. or lack there of.

http://www.vice.com/the-vice-guide-to-travel/the-vice-guide-to-liberia-1

Or read this article about how the people directly affected by Kony feel about the video

http://mashable.com/2012/03/15/ugandans-angry-kony-2o12/?utm_source=feed...

While I'm glad I was able to see the truth behind the tragedy that is unfolding in Africa, I strongly feel that the KONY video is only the tip of the iceberg.

Derek Mehraban's picture
Instructor
3/15/2012
Social Media, Youtube