Social Networks in 1727
If you think social networking is a new idea think again. It turns out that Benjamin Franklin started a social network in 1727, long before Web 2.0. It was called the “Junto” and also known as “the Leather Apron Club”. Its members included a cobbler, a glazier, a scrivener and at least one gentleman, who met for mutual improvement and discussion in Philadelphia. The Junto’s Friday evening meetings were organized around a series of questions, for example:
# Do you know of any fellow citizen, who has lately done a worthy action, deserving praise and imitation? or who has committed an error proper for us to be warned against and avoid?
# What unhappy effects of intemperance have you lately observed or heard? of imprudence? of passion? or of any other vice or folly?
# What happy effects of temperance? of prudence? of moderation? or of any other virtue?
# Do you think of any thing at present, in which the Junto may be serviceable to mankind? to their country, to their friends, or to themselves?
# Do you know of any deserving young beginner lately set up, whom it lies in the power of the Junto any way to encourage?
# Have you lately observed any defect in the laws, of which it would be proper to move the legislature an amendment? Or do you know of any beneficial law that is wanting?
# Have you lately observed any encroachment on the just liberties of the people?
# Hath any body attacked your reputation lately? and what can the Junto do towards securing it?
# Is there any man whose friendship you want, and which the Junto, or any of them, can procure for you?
# Have you any weighty affair in hand, in which you think the advice of the Junto may be of service?
The group is credited with promoting innovations such as volunteer fire-fighting clubs, improved security (night watchmen), and a public hospital. Not so very different from the RSA networks of today! Hope to see you at a Junto Soon!
February 19th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
Thanks, Ben!
Thanks, Lynn!
March 9th, 2010 at 10:09 am
[...] reminded us of Benjamin Franklin’s creation of a social networking group named “Junto” in 1727. They met in Philadelphia for “mutual improvement and discussion”. The [...]
May 11th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
[...] Lynn Broadbent wrote about “Social Networks in 1727“, reminding us of Benjamin Franklin’s creation of a social networking group named [...]