All the buzz about the Macworld expo in San Francisco and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has got me thinking…

Why don’t we create an alternative Social Electronics Show that features gadgetry and tech stuff that actually matters? The kind of things that never get any attention because they aren’t consumer oriented and don’t plug into an Ipod or Xbox.

Things like an online library for the blind, an electronic human rights bulletin system, or advanced landmine detector - all actual projects of Benetech.org. Cool AND socially responsible tools such as those recognized by the Tech Museum of Innovation Humanitarian Awards or certain projects of the Digital Vision Fellowship program at Stanford University. The MIT Media Lab’s $100 laptop and Intel’s low cost PC for the developing world are just the tip of the iceberg. A cheap mobile device, for example, could go along way in keeping a homeless person connected to social services, jobs, and people in a position to help.

At a minimum, how about getting the organizers of the consumer tech extravaganzas to put aside a little money to support a social electronics show at their events? That way at least the do-gooders can get some residual press coverage and lure potential investors.

Heck I’ll even volunteer to organize the first ‘Gadgets for Good’ Social Electronics exhibition myself and be its pitchman.

‘Friend, put that podcasting Swiss Army knife down and check out this sleek new AIDS detection chip. How about a fully interactive global warming game for you kids - it syncs with your refrigerator and air conditioning unit for realistic climate change simulations in the home. I bet your neighbors don’t have one of those?’

Consumer electronics and technology products with a social purpose don’t have to be mutually exclusive, nor should they be. Let’s try combining the cool with the good and see what happens. It could be the beginning of a beautiful AND meaningful relationship!

All the buzz about the Macworld expo in San Francisco and the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has got me thinking…
Why don’t we create an alternative Social Electronics Show that features gadgetry and tech stuff that actually matters? The kind of things that never get any attention because they aren’t consumer oriented and don’t [...]