Many to Many

Implications - The internet has changed voyeurism from a taboo act, to one that's socially acceptable, and then even sought after. Accepted voyeurism has matured from viewing photos on social networks and status updates on Twitter, to stalking people in real life through geotagging and photography.

Implications - Instead of hiring staff photographers, several leading newspapers and magazines are turning to photo sharing sites like Flickr to obtain their images. Flickr members are the new photojournalists as news and entertainment sources are turning to people who are already there to shoot their photos.

Implications - Letting consumers test a product before purchasing often involves giving away small amounts of the product or service for free, with the confidence that it will peak consumer interest and buy loyalty. Now customers can test anything from music, to marriages to Christmas trees before committing.

Implications - Generally disastrous phenomena like earthquakes are considered tragedies, but China’s earthquake managed to arouse compassion and creativity, as seen in the art forms below. With the use of the internet, natural disasters are helping to bring people together from around the world.

Implications - Children have become so desensitized by the gore and aggression on TV, that they are no longer as drawn to infantile themes. Now toys for children, and even toddlers, can be as gory as zombie dolls, stuffed animals with offensive language and even plushies that have been dissected.

Implications - The “Pay What You Want” phenomenon goes back to old fashioned road-side honesty boxes that relied on trust and were rewarded by innate generosity. Spurred by Radiohead’s initiative to let fans pay what they believe the album to be worth, the phenomenon has now trickled into other industries.

Implications - Consumers have sought ways to save money for centuries, but a new movement has people in search of living for free — and they’re succeeding, often luxuriously so. From free flights in exchange for viewing ads to gratis living in homes in need of care, these innovations rely on reciprocity.

Implications - Crowdsourcing, which relies on outsourcing tasks or obtaining information from the public, has pervaded an array of businesses by way of the internet. Companies are crowdsourcing everything from music to journalism. This not only appeals to consumers, but results in less work for the company.

Implications - With the credit crunch looming over first-world economies as we enter 2009, people are scrambling to save money. Even before the financial crisis, consumers were seeking to get more for free, especially from multimedia. Offering something in exchange for ad viewing has been one of the most effective ways to benefit both.

Implications - In 2008 we saw print media struggle for survival as free web content threatened the print journalism industry. To counteract print endangerment, publishers are getting way more innovative, offering free magazines controversy and collectible multi-covers issues.