Smart MobsSmart MobsKey: AWL to Study, Low-frequency Vocabulary
What is a Smart Mob?
The Smart Mob The Smart Mob MovementMovement • Smart Mobs evolved as a consequence of modern
communication technologies. SMS (short message service) or texting
• Raves the first Smart Mobs
Can you list a few examples of modern communication technologies?
SMS SMS TechnologyTechnology• Young people in Tokyo and Helsinki sent the first text
messages to give the location of the next big dance event. A single message can be sent to an address book. SMS technology allows large groups to form quickly.
Do you like to send text messages? Why or why not?
Younger Younger GenerationGeneration Led the WayLed the Way• Smart Mobs
large groups empowered by Internet-enhanced communication devices
turning up everywhereto accomplish diverse goals
What types of goals do you think a Smart Mob can achieve?
Political GoalsPolitical Goals• A massive demonstration against a corrupt Filipino
leader was organized through the use of SMS.
What is a corrupt political leader?
Other DemonstrationsOther Demonstrations• Anti–Miss World and WTO demonstrations were also
mobilized through the use of SMS.
Have you ever witnessed or taken part in a demonstration? Explain.
Virginia Tech Virginia Tech IncidentIncident• An English major shot and killed 32 people at Virginia
Tech High School. Texting, webcam, and cellphone video were used to let victims know how to avoid danger.
Have you ever used a webcam or cellphone video?
Environmental GoalsEnvironmental Goals• Critical-mass bike rides are an international
phenomenon. Rides are organized via web postings and mobile phonetrees.
• Goal to demonstrate that cycling is a practical alternative to driving.
Do you support the goal of this movement?
Mating RitualsMating Rituals• Dating services are part of some cellphone packages.
Fill in a personality profile. Find out when a potential match is in close range.
• Tracking device powered by Bluetooth technology short-range radio frequency operates within 10-meter radius
What is your opinion of dating using Bluetooth technology?
Dating and TechnologyDating and Technology• Dating via texting and Bluetooth technology is taking
off in a big way.• India, Saudi Arabia, and UAE
Dating prior to marriage is not accepted by the majority. Without parents’ knowledge,young people are meeting and getting to know potential mates.
How do your parents feel about your texting habits?
Peer-to-Peer SoftwarePeer-to-Peer Software• Large groups pirate music, video, and software.• The peer-to-peer paradigm connects individual
computers to transfer specific files. This process is illegal. Creative software makesit almost impossible to track users.
Have you ever used peer-to-peer software?
DistributedDistributed Computing Computing • Makes use of the unused power of individual
computers Users download screensavers. Combined computer power assists in treatment of diseases,
weather prediction for global warming, and searching for extra-terrestrial intelligence.
• The shared power of millions: another Smart Mob?
Would you donate your computer’s unused power to serve a good cause? Explain.