MTV launches a Social Networking sites Think.MTV.com

NI Wire

New Delhi

Fri, 21 Sep 2007: 

Sep 21: Breaking the norms of earlier social networking sites MTV has teamed with the founding partners of Case foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Goldhrish Foundation and MCJ Amelior Foundation to launch a new revolution in youth actism, through its Think.

MTV.com.

This is to engage minds to discuss on the issue, which effect them most, the think community will be an online resource for the young people who want to bring a change in this world.

It is launched in beta format, this site will be a place for all where one can Get educated, Get connected, Get heard, Get active and Get rewarded.

Get educated community is loaded with multimedia content uploaded from members, socially conscious video games, news reports, videos and blogs.

Get connected –Think.MTV.com here members can align in “Think Tanks” by interest, skills, geography or any issues of their interest from global to local.

Get heard provide a platform to make their voice heard and one of the features unlike other online community is that the site will have a chance to bubble up to MTV’s other online and mobile platform, and every video, photo or conversation a user contributes will also earn Action Badges, which will get prizes, national exposure and more.

Get active motivates by offering young mind to take action on social issues, which include voting, petitioning, volunteering etc. Under action projects, which is developed by leading social activist and celebrities will be launched after sometime. It aims from small things to big causes like ending hunger and poverty.

Get rewarded, it brings reward to members who use the site to do well. One of the Award Young Creator Award, which will be funded by $500,000 to young people with innovative ideas

The “Just Cause” study by think MTV marked that today’s young mind are deeply concerned with day to day issues which effect their life be it health to the global issues like environmental degradation and terrorism. Interesting part of the study is that these change makers do not know where and how to get involved.

"The Think Community was built to catalyze a sea change in youth activism and make rock stars out of those young people working to better themselves, their communities and the world," said Christina Norman, President, MTV. "We're honored to partner with forward-thinking foundations, non-profits, celebrities and America's youth on this powerful new platform for positive social change."

"In a nation where most young people either dropout or graduate from high school unprepared for college and work, it's critical we offer youth the opportunities, tools and resources to succeed and achieve their goals," said Allan Golston, President of US Programs for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "MTV is an important partner in our drive to ensure that every young person is prepared for college, career and life, and the new Think Community will galvanize this effort - offering all young people opportunities to connect to an inspiring and engaging world beyond their own school or community."

Added Jean Case, CEO, the Case Foundation, "We're excited to join with MTV and the other founding partners in creating a powerful new civic space where youth can embrace and apply leading edge technologies to ignite engagement and drive action."

The United Nations is extended its hand to stimulate young minds to bring change in the issues related to social concern, others are Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Malaria No More, Strong American Schools, the President's Volunteer Service Award, Declare Yourself, City Year, PlayPumps and Games for Change, as well as Bono, Reggie Bush, Pete Wentz, Shakira, Nick Cannon, Rosario Dawson, John Legend, Steve Nash, Jeff Sachs and many more.

The Case Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Goldhirsh Foundation, the MCJ Amelior Foundation who have come forward to perpetuate activism through this site are connecting people through the various services they provide.

This initiative taken by MTV with other foundation will sure help the youth giving them direction and making them the potential leader.

But it will also face competition by other social networking sites to gain popularity. Social Networking sites are being criticized for exposing youth to violence, sex and abuses.

Hope this site will address all such issues and take proper step to curb any deviation from the goal it has carved.