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.