Time and Space – New technology is close to re-writing the laws of physics with huge implications for public engagement

Two apparently unconnected news stories in the past few days illustrate how the world is changing around us.

By now, the number of people who will have watched the Susan Boyle video will have run into tens of millions. In one period of 24 hours last week, the number rose from 1 million to 5 million. Her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent led to instant stardom – indeed international celebrity. A few years ago, even with the power of television and tabloid press, it would have taken months to become truly well-known. What this week’s unprecedented phenomenon shows is that technology can compress timescales in a truly remarkable way. Where, outside the sports field has a reputation been created so quickly? And what can be created can, of course be as quickly destroyed. Ask Damien McBride!