In the matter of saving lives, reaction time is important. Think about disaster response efforts--lag time between a calamity and mitigating efforts translate to more casualties and damage. Or in terms of self-defense, survival could mean the 0.01 seconds it took a person to dodge an attack, duck, or simply hesitate (kungfu training, anyone?).
Connectivity and media has made our culture mainly reactive. They have also improved our speed at reacting. Most of the things we see or read on the internet is usually a reaction to some other act or issue. And while the inspiring or moving act may already be last week's news, you can expect a steady stream of reactions on the matter. And one opinion can be the stem of another set of reactions, depending on how riling or impactful the message is.
The same principle applies to diffusing conflict or implementing damage control. There was an alleged Burn the Quran Day planned by small Christian Church in the United States, in view of the End of Ramadan celebrations. Word got out since it was intended to be a public gimmick. I would like to think that the reactions that responded to it contributed to the pastor reconsidering the act. Afterall, response came from all over the world, not just from Muslims. The pastor definitely got flak for even considering such a thing at a time when people are working so hard at fostering peace. But can you imagine the more destructive reaction had the burning pushed through?
High volume at high speed. Connectivity has made instant communication possible. Such attributes have lent greater force to the impact of opinions on other people's actions. Would you risk incurring the wrath of world all over, when you know it's got its eyes on you?
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