The Google commercial “Parisian Love” that aired during the third quarter of yesterday’s Super Bowl was an undisputed attention grabber and a clear favorite among both the tech aficionado and romantic comedy segments of NFL fans (See Joe Hobot’s MWD post from yesterday.) Following a story-line of using the power of internet to find information that can change the course of one’s life, the conclusion implies that the nature of a person’s searches evolves with the chronological passing of time. This isn’t the first time, though, that a commercial or non-profit video has been made that demonstrates the power digital information exercises over our real and virtual lives.
In 2007, Mike Wesch, Assistant Professor of Cultural Anthropology at Kansas State University, produced a similarly themed production that makes Google’s current product feel oddly reminiscent, for those who have already seen it. Wesch created the video as part of his teaching program at the university and states it’s purpose to be the following: “This video explores the changes in the way we find, store, create, critique, and share information.” (Source)
This is not to say that Google did not make the idea of expressing the power of information it’s own. Nor am I implying that Google’s version lacks creativity or intellectual originality. To the contrary, both efforts are to be applauded for their educational value. Additionally, both videos are striking in their style and message. They empower viewers by showing the actual power each and every internet user has to shape the way digital information evolves on a day to day basis and can ultimately affect the lives of others. For those who have not seen “Information R/evolution”, it is an inspiring production that is sure to be appreciated by both IT professionals and Social Media experts. For this reason, the usefulness of both videos extend beyond the intended entertainment factor. They also serve an important purpose as conversation starters, in classroom settings, brainstorming sessions, and other endeavors that require regular computer users and experts alike to become inspired to create and collaborate.
Justin E. Gehrke is the founder and owner of Geek Shui Living. As a right and left-brained geek, he is an IT and INFOSEC Consultant, who also maintains and writes tech articles for http://geekshui.com. You can follow him, via twitter, and be voraciously consumed by his technology news commentary and random geek ramblings at http://twitter.com/GeekShui
