New content, cool games, and news from TheSite staff - it's all here. Now where's the tea?

All | Community updates | Announcements | New content | Fun

Thursday Nov 12, 2009

Influential - or just in the headlines?

According to the Times, these are the 30 most influential people under 30. Nominated by industry specialists then whittled down by seeing who has the most online column inches, Google hits, Twitter influence and so on, we end up with the likes of Amy Winehouse, Daisy Lowe and Wayne Rooney. Inspiring stuff.

Admittedly, a few intriguing entries make the list. Thanks to the Business, Media and Politics category, we get to pay tribute to some impressive young entrepreneurs and Climate Rush campaigner Tamsin Omond. It’s just a shame her inclusion has to be justified by explaining (twice) how ‘gorgeous’ she is. Obviously an important prerequisite for being an influential campaigner nowadays.

While I don’t doubt that celebrities are influential, it’s shame that other industries couldn’t have been better represented. Is being a socialite (official job title for Peaches Geldof, apparently) or a ‘girlfriend’ (Kate Middleton), really more important than the young up-and-coming scientists, engineers and designers? Isn’t it up to the media to put more emphasis on young people doing truly great things to inspire a younger generation to follow in their footsteps? I already know how good Peaches Geldof is at getting media coverage for going to dull celebrity bashes, but I’ve no idea who is out there trying to find the cure for cancer or coming up with the next idea or invention to change life as we know it.

While I love the internet and understand it’s relevance to deciphering who should be on the list, I’d argue that other factors are important too – like social impact, and the ability to turn people on to new ideas. There are young people doing amazing – and influential – things everywhere, not just on the red carpet.

Posted by Hannah ( 2:59 PM ) Link to this post  |  Comments[4]