via @martykearns, lessons learned from a social media study similar to our Hot Dish site on climate change:
"In November 2007, three organizations set out to develop a social network for youth around the world “on global issues that matter to you.” Youth Media Exchange (YMEX.org) in many respects was a success. About 1,700 youth signed on from China, India, South Korea, and North America for the pilot. The most active were young women between ages 14 and 19. The exchange was lively, and kids tackled a wide variety of global issues. However, along the way, the organizers learned a few things about developing a social network with a purpose.
Like any social media site, YMEX allowed users to share ideas, upload videos or other media, and chat. However, YMEX also wanted to spur learning and encourage kids to think critically about global issues. Through quests and other content, users embarked on a “common learning journey.” Peer mentors were on hand to guide youth in learning about a topic, and the contests, focused discussions, and quests on the site were all designed with a clear purpose. The site required a little self-motivation on the part of kids to learn more deeply about a topic, and in turn, kids could contribute their own content."
