Fifty thousand mosquito nets later, I’m a fan of Ashton Kutcher and Twitter.
Setting off on his first to one million followers on Twitter versus CNN, Ashton Kutcher made a promise. Kutcher Tweeted that if he won, he would donate 10,000 mosquito nets to help fight malaria in Africa. CNN followed suite making the same promise.
Before, I never really garnered an opinion on Kutcher. I knew I enjoyed a few of his movies. I knew he came from good ole’ Iowa roots. But besides that, Kutcher remained just another celebrity. I didn’t even fall for the charm, smile and dashing good looks that so many of my gender counterparts express.
And if you knew me, you would recognize that I could care less about celebrity status, how much money someone makes or their ability to capture tabloid headlines. The only time I care happens when celebrities use their influence to help make our world a better place. I recognize George Clooney stepping up to the plate and using his voice for Darfur. And I recognize Oprah for her givings.
But this so rarely happens that I don’t care much for celebrities. If they did more…wait a second, what did Kutcher do? Yes, in his efforts to beat CNN to one million Twitter followers – which he did – he donated 10,000 mosquito nets to help fight malaria in Africa. And in the end, after a match from CNN and a few others, including Oprah, the final tally on mosquito nets donated exceeded 50,000.
I guess I’m a fan of Ashton Kutcher.
Oh, and along with the 50,000 mosquito nets, Kutcher greatly raised awareness for an often forgotten issue not only on Twitter, but also with the numerous interviews he did, including Larry King Live and Oprah. Adda boy Ashton!
Kutcher’s race to one million became an amazing symbol of what is possible when you have the name recognition and reach of someone like Kutcher.
And please, who cares if he did it on Twitter. Who cares that he gained a million followers. Who cares that he did it to add more recognition and value to himself.
If more celebrities took this route in establishing their image instead of landing on the front of tabloids, the world would greatly benefit. Of all the riches and influence held by celebrities out there, just imagine.
Kutcher captured the value of social media and did it in quite an honorable way. The debate continues on how best to use social media. And there remains no right or wrong way. But if one way is to build an image to a dedicated group of followers interested in what you say, Kutcher did it. And he did it with a message of charity.
A big thanks to Ashton Kutcher for showing the world the power of celebrities and social media.
Word. There may be no right or wrong way, but there are more moral ends that could be exploited using social media than the traditional media. Volunteer requests, fund raising requests, general pleas for help seem to be much more persuasive in social networks than in other settings. I think that persuasiveness, akin to going door to door but much more successful, process may be the most important aspect of new media. Those on Twitter with moral messages outside of their public identity are those whom I respect most. Although a lot of the cheesy sales pitch are sometimes worth a good laugh.
Great post. I think everyone might need a DC living update. How are you liking it so far? After my exams we need to grab a drink in our neck of the woods. @ me when you have a free night. I’ll be out of the DC area from May 13th to approximately June 8th, but other than that I’ll be hanging out in NW and Downtown.