Friday's Food for Thought: Ecosystems, Social Media and Government Communication

Welcome once again to Friday's Food for Thought post.  As always, we try to highlight information and ideas that stir the imagination, confound, and heck...hopefully make you laugh!  This week's theme is about the concept of 'ecosystems.'

When you think about it...humans live and work in ecosystem-like environments much like those you'd find in nature.  We are connected through personal and professional relationships that ensure survival. 

So, What Exactly is an Ecosystem?
Let's face it.  It's probably been a long time since we've had Biology 101.  And, for many of us focusing on government and the business world, we probably forgot quite a lot about the biology 'stuff' we learned way back when.  So, here's the quick definition of an ecosystem:  it is a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms (biotic factors) in an area functioning together with all of the physical (abiotic) factors of the environment. Now...do you feel smarter than a 5th grader?

Ecosystems and Social Media in Government
Government agencies are now better able to engage its citizens through a multitude of social media channels:  Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, widgets, etc.  In fact, when you consider all of these social media components together, it is an ecosystem.  And, the highest point of the food chain within this ecosystem is communication, which is the nourishment that allows an ecosystem to thrive.

Symbiotic Relationships in Government
A symbiotic relationship, often found in ecosystems, is one where both organisms stand to benefit.  Flowering plants and pollinators (like bees) is a great example.  If you think about it, the relationship between government and citizens is symbiotic.  A government exists to serve its citizens, and citizens rely on government for services, safety and; it's a two-way street.  That brings us back to the fundamental core of a healthy relationship - communication right?   Citizens expect government to provide up-to-date information and proactive communication. 

Now It's Time for "Rap Chop"
We admit this Friday Food for Thought post may have been a bit more serious than the other posts.  "But wait!  There's more!"  In the ecosystem of infomercials, here's an example of how th Slap Chop guy and the Slap Chop product have a symbiotic relationship.  Slap chop quirky guy...slap chop sales! 

Check out this hilarious video of the ubiquitous "Slap Chop"infomercial brought to life through rap music.  Stop having boring tuna, stop having a boring life.  Enjoy!