-
A hug online…
I’ve just seen a fantastic example of the power of the internet today - when reading about the ‘Free Hugs Guy’ - Juan Mann. Mr Mann who keeps his identity secret started the free hugs campaign in Sydney in 2004.
He has since become a very huggable stranger - offering anyone who wants one - a free hug. Since then, he has hugged over 500,000 people.
What does this have to do with the power of the internet I hear you ask? Mann had thought about travelling to spread his hugging campaign to each country and territory in the world - however this has not been required as the internet has done the job for him. YouTube have a video of his antics which has since spread throughout the world. As of now 14,193,171 have watched the clip.
As Mann himself says: “The internet has changed the way it happens. Now it happens online. I spend four hours a day answering emails.” If it weren’t for the internet it would not be possible to spread the ‘hug’ without a huge amount of time and money. It’s a great example of how a good strong message can spread rapidly from the idea of one man to millions around the world.
There are now ‘Free Hug’ campaigns across the globe, from Hollywood, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, Peru, Milan to Tokyo. I counted 13 different countries who are taking part in the campaign. It sounds corny, but just watching the free hugs, made me want to give/receive a hug! I never thought the internet would make me want to get up and give someone a hug!… but it did…
So when you have the time, watch the ‘Free Hugs Guy’ and give someone a hug today!
