TED: How cognitive surplus will change the world | Clay Shirky

The transcript discusses the creation and impact of Ushahidi, a platform for crisis mapping, which emerged from a need to track violence in Kenya. It highlights the concept of cognitive surplus, the collective free time and talents of people, and how digital tools enable large-scale collaboration. The text contrasts communal value, like creating lolcats, with civic value, as seen in Ushahidi's societal benefits. It emphasizes designing for generosity and the importance of intrinsic motivation in fostering creativity and social impact.

What is the significance of the term 'crisis mapping' as mentioned in the text?

Discuss the relationship between digital technology and human generosity as presented in the text.

What role do social constraints play in human behavior according to the study mentioned?

How does the concept of civic value differ from communal value in the context of Ushahidi?