Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky

Last updated: Sep 21, 2023

Summary of Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky

Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky is a book that explores the impact of social media and technology on society. Shirky argues that the internet has revolutionized the way people communicate and collaborate, leading to significant changes in social, political, and economic structures.

The book begins by discussing the concept of "mass amateurization," which refers to the ability of ordinary individuals to create and share content online. Shirky explains how this has disrupted traditional media industries and empowered individuals to have a voice and participate in public discourse.

Shirky then delves into the power of social networks and how they have facilitated collective action. He provides numerous examples of how online communities have come together to achieve common goals, such as the case of a lost cell phone being returned to its owner through the collective efforts of strangers.

Furthermore, Shirky explores the concept of "publish, then filter," which refers to the abundance of information available online and the need for individuals to filter through it to find what is relevant and trustworthy. He discusses the challenges and opportunities this presents for individuals and society as a whole.

The book also examines the role of social media in political activism and social movements. Shirky analyzes how platforms like Twitter and Facebook have been used to organize protests and revolutions, such as the Arab Spring. He highlights the power of these tools in mobilizing large groups of people and challenging existing power structures.

Additionally, Shirky discusses the implications of these changes for institutions and organizations. He argues that traditional hierarchical structures are being challenged by more decentralized and collaborative models of organization. He explores the concept of "cognitive surplus," which refers to the untapped potential of individuals to contribute to collective projects and solve complex problems.

In conclusion, Here Comes Everybody provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of social media and technology on society. Shirky argues that these tools have fundamentally changed the way people communicate, collaborate, and organize. He explores the opportunities and challenges presented by these changes and emphasizes the importance of understanding and harnessing the power of social media for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.

1. The Power of Organizing Without Organizations

In "Here Comes Everybody," Clay Shirky explores the transformative power of social media and how it has enabled individuals to organize and collaborate without traditional hierarchical structures. He argues that the internet has lowered the barriers to entry for collective action, allowing people to come together and achieve common goals more easily than ever before.

Shirky provides numerous examples of how online platforms have facilitated collective action, such as the case of the lost phone in New York City. When a woman lost her phone in a taxi, she used social media to spread the word and mobilize a group of strangers to help her track it down. Through their collective efforts, they were able to locate the phone and return it to its owner. This story illustrates the power of online networks in mobilizing people and solving problems collectively, without the need for formal organizations or authorities.

2. The Rise of User-Generated Content

Another key insight from "Here Comes Everybody" is the rise of user-generated content and its impact on traditional media and publishing industries. Shirky argues that the internet has democratized the production and distribution of content, allowing anyone with an internet connection to become a creator and publisher.

Shirky highlights the example of the citizen journalism website OhmyNews in South Korea, which challenged the dominance of traditional media outlets by allowing ordinary citizens to report and publish news stories. This shift in power from professional journalists to everyday individuals has had profound implications for the media landscape, as well as for the dissemination of information and the shaping of public opinion.

3. The Power of Sharing and Collaboration

Shirky emphasizes the power of sharing and collaboration in the digital age. He argues that the internet has made it easier for people to connect and collaborate with others who share their interests and goals, leading to the emergence of new forms of collective action and creativity.

One example Shirky discusses is the open-source software movement, where individuals come together to collaboratively develop and improve software. This model of collaboration has led to the creation of high-quality software products such as Linux and Wikipedia, which are freely available to anyone. Shirky argues that the success of these projects demonstrates the power of collaboration and the potential for harnessing collective intelligence.

4. The Challenges of Information Overload

One of the challenges highlighted in "Here Comes Everybody" is the issue of information overload in the digital age. Shirky argues that the abundance of information available online can be overwhelming and make it difficult for individuals to filter and process the most relevant and reliable information.

Shirky discusses the concept of "filter failure," where traditional gatekeepers such as editors and publishers are no longer able to effectively curate and filter information for consumers. He suggests that individuals need to develop their own strategies for managing information overload, such as relying on social networks and recommendations from trusted sources.

5. The Power of Weak Ties

Shirky explores the concept of "weak ties" and their importance in facilitating social connections and information flow. He argues that weak ties, which are connections between individuals who are not close friends or family, play a crucial role in expanding social networks and accessing new information and opportunities.

Shirky provides examples of how weak ties have been instrumental in various social movements and collective actions. For instance, he discusses how the civil rights movement in the United States was able to gain momentum and mobilize large numbers of people through weak ties, as individuals spread information and organized protests through their extended networks.

6. The Role of Social Media in Political Movements

Shirky examines the role of social media in facilitating political movements and collective action. He argues that social media platforms have provided new avenues for political expression and mobilization, allowing individuals to organize and voice their opinions on a global scale.

Shirky discusses the Arab Spring as a prominent example of how social media played a crucial role in organizing protests and disseminating information during the uprisings in the Middle East. He highlights the power of social media in bypassing traditional media censorship and enabling individuals to share their stories and experiences directly with the world.

7. The Impact of Online Communities

Shirky explores the impact of online communities and how they have transformed various aspects of society, from education to entertainment. He argues that online communities have provided platforms for individuals to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources.

Shirky discusses the example of the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, which relies on the contributions of volunteers from around the world. He highlights how the collective efforts of these individuals have resulted in a comprehensive and constantly evolving source of knowledge that is accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

8. The Challenges of Privacy and Security

Lastly, Shirky addresses the challenges of privacy and security in the digital age. He argues that the ease of sharing and accessing information online has raised concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal data.

Shirky discusses the tension between the desire for openness and transparency and the need for privacy and security. He suggests that individuals and society as a whole need to grapple with these challenges and find a balance that protects individual rights while also enabling the benefits of sharing and collaboration.