The impact of social networks

As I reflect on the TED talks by Nicholas Christakis and Clay Shirky each speaker exlpores how social networks develop. Social networks primarily have developed for people to make a connection with others. In the TED talks, it was discussed how some parties may feel threatened by the power of a social network. This appears to be changing as instituions turn to the public to help solve current problems. This week it was reported that gamers solved a puzzle related to the molecular structure of a key protein that will help in the development of new anti-viral drugs. The gaming site was developed for people to make a contribution to science by solving puzzles competitively. Way to go and congratulations!