MaRS

Freaking out about privacy? You're not the only one

On May 18th and 19th the fifth annual mesh web conference came to the MaRS Centre.  Some of the big themes explored: how new platforms are shaping content, how real time is impacting business opportunities and how businesses should be leveraging social media. But the most common (popular? contentious?) that kept popping up in many of these discussions – what role does privacy play in this rapidly evolving landscape?

The issue is firmly planted in many people’s minds these days with the recent changes on Facebook that have posed some interesting legal and regulatory questions.

How can social innovators adopt strategic tech?

When it comes to social and mobile technology, the question is no longer whether or not we should be using it, but rather, how can we adopt it in a strategic way?  And how can social innovators use it to create greater impact?

Net Change 2010, powered by MaRS, is week-long series of events launching June 7^th. It will explore the intersection between technology and social change. And the opportunities this intersection presents.

News flash: It's time for a change

One of the most interesting developments in the Canadian media market we’ve seen in a while has just launched.  Toronto-based OpenFile announced they’re now open for business.

With many newspapers and news stations struggling for relevancy in this always-on world, the news industry has been the fodder of many articles, discussions and rants over the past 18 months.  Not surprisingly, traditional media outlets will have lots to say about these kinds of developments. One reporter’s reaction to OpenFile ran in the Globe and Mail over the weekend.

Television: Now with 100% more social web!

TV: it’s not just on TVs anymore! It’s no surprise that viewers are using different devices to watch.

Do you ever watch television and surf the net at the same time? Then you might already be sharing your thoughts about TV programs on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter. Social TV, through which people exchange opinions about the content, is a fast-growing trend.

Don't be left in the dust.

When it comes to new media, it’s important to get beyond the buzz. The web has brought upon us a new communications paradigm for the 21st Century. To early adopters, the domain of “www” is a cinch, to others; it can be decidedly perplexing.

Some would say we suffer from perpetual information overload, an overwhelming stasis. However, paralysis – a common response to feeling overwhelmed – should not be the answer; nor should sticking your head in the sand. A reductionist approach that dismisses the web phenomenon as a “generational thing” will not work either.