Authority in crowdsourcing

Crowdsourcing is a modern name for a phenomenon that has existed ever since there have been crowds of people. The term, devised in 2005 by two editors of magazine, refers to the basic concept of placing an open call to the public, usually via the internet, in looking for new ideas, goods or services, or carrying out some big or complex project.

Crowdsourcing is a double-edged sword. It has been used to spread the good and the bad. Take the case of Instagram and Tiktok sensation, Jimmy Darts (Jimmy Kellogg in real life), who fundraises online and shares these cash and gifts with strangers. In most of his videos, Darts meets random people in a public space and engages them in a game or asks from them some spare change. Those who interact with Jimmy are ultimately rewarded. Due to its increasing popularity, Darts’ video series has turned into a television show. More importantly, the series shows how crowdsourcing, legitimately coming from volunteers, can multiply kindness and spread generosity.

On the other hand, in the 2016 national elections, then candidate Duterte handily won the presidency by dominating the political conversation online via crowdsourcing! He was considered the “undisputed king of Facebook conversations,” as per one Facebook report, as Duterte was the subject of 64 percent of all Philippine election-related conversations. Unfortunately, Duterte soon weaponized Facebook perhaps knowing that the number of smartphones outnumber Filipinos and that 97 percent of Filipinos who are online have Facebook accounts. Online accounts, some of which are controlled by paid trolls, virtually attacked the opposition and journalists who have spoken against the Duterte administration. In some governmentcontrolled or influenced sites, this process called “patriotic trolling,” involves the use of harassment and character assassination meant to go viral. The Duterte online success manifested how crowdsourcing, although much of them were paid, can multiply anger and spread hate. The fact that Senator Leila de Lima performs poorly in recent surveys is hands down the undisputable proof of how social media can be used to

Wired

destroy a person.

Following a similar gameplan, the campaign team of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (BBM) gradually created an army of Facebook personalities and bloggers worldwide. There is evidence that accounts controlled previously by the Duterte camp have been “converted” for the BBM camp. Due to this massive control of information shared online, a large majority of Filipinos who are Facebook or Tiktok addicts have been lured to believe in the return of the Marcos magic. In its attempt to neutralize the effects of such online propaganda, the campaign team of VP Leni Robredo has resorted to physical crowdsourcing of talents to attract large crowds during “pink rallies.” Celebrities have supposedly lent their “star power” for free claiming that they are doing this not only for Leni but also for the country. Religious leaders, athletes, professionals, and business owners have publicly endorsed one candidate over the other. To a large extent, this crowdsourcing strategy appears to work as I see some of my friends who, for the longest time remained apolitical, have gone out to actively campaign against one candidate.

I recently asked some residents in Tanay, Rizal who I met while on a mountain hike, why they are voting for one candidate and not the other. Like many others, they cited various “authorities” like their father or their church leader or “tradition” such as voting for a townmate or supporting the obvious winner. People oftentimes reflect whatever they see or hear on social media, especially in those entertaining channels online with the funny memes or sound effects that keep their audience glued to their programs. In my many informal interactions with voters around the country, I am not surprised that most BBM supporters usually end up saying, “basta BBM kami, sir” whenever I share what I know about each presidential candidate. Current survey results presumably reflect how these social media accounts and channels have given the impression that there is a groundswell of organic support for BBM. Crowdsourcing works effectively if the messaging style and format appeals to the crowd and, most importantly, the authority of the one asking for support.

Success of any crowdsourcing activity depends on the “authority” making the call. Whenever there are crowds, the speaking authority will ultimately solicit support, assistance, or endorsement. Much of the success (and catastrophe) of the crowd workers hinges on the authenticity and reliability of the authority. Crowds, however, become nothing more than bullies when driven by the confusion emanating from the ignorance of God’s divine Word. In the Bible, Matthew 22:29 tells us about the supposed authorities at that time—the Sadducees, “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” Truly, many can be misled by wrong information.

I was recently invited to speak in a voters’ education program initiated by a business owner in QC. One resource person shared some materials available online from the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV). From the four attributes of good leaders (MAK ADIYOS, MAKATO, MAKABAYAN, MAKAKALIKASAN) I merely emphasized the first one, as our Almighty God is the one and only authority when it comes to crowdsourcing. Short of endorsing one candidate over the other, I simply asked the audience to keep on praying for guidance until they enter the voting precinct. I urged the audience to stop listening to the various authorities and speakers, myself included. I told them to just vote who among the candidates reflect a genuine following and connection to our Almighty God. While most candidates can publicly declare their “God-fearing” attributes during campaigns and interviews, how they live their lives will be the best evidence of whether they are truly a follower of Jesus Christ.

In Biblical history, we have seen how building the ancient Hebrew tabernacle was accomplished through crowdsourcing, as described in Exodus 25:1-9, thus: The Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.” In this example, God crowdsourced the materials and labor from His own sanctuary. Nothing was compulsory about it. The offering of materials and labor was to be gathered “from all whose hearts prompt them to give.” The product was a sacred space that was put together by the large group of people who served their God.

Through it all, we have seen how crowdsourcing is largely dependent on the authority making the appeal vis-à-vis how the public view themselves in connection to that call. Human authorities are merely conduits to carry out what is good and true to the people around them. Like a garden hose, the water that flows through us is not ours. It comes from the spigot and flows through. Our task as “human hoses” is to direct that water towards the living beings that need it to sustain their life. We are not the water (or authority), but we are mere vessels to bring the water to others.

Indeed, there is power in the crowd. Knowing that everything that is good comes from the One authority who is our Heavenly Father (James 1:17), then Jesus followers can be credible vessels of truth to others. If only what is good and truthful is channeled through us, then this country ought to be in good shape, post elections, regardless of the results. If only what is kind and positive is being replicated from one person to another, then we can boldly say that a better future for the Filipino awaits because a crowd of people too large to count followed the voice of the One true authority.

A former infantry and intelligence officer in the Army, Siegfred Mison showcased his servant leadership philosophy in organizations such as the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Malcolm Law Offices, Infogix Inc., University of the East, Bureau of Immigration, and Philippine Airlines. He is a graduate of West Point in New York, Ateneo Law School, and University of Southern California. A corporate lawyer by profession, he is an inspirational teacher and a Spirit-filled writer with a mission.

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