Social Media and Social Activism - Is there such a thing as too much?

We all know that social media can be used as a platform to convey a message trying to help people or get a good point across such as the protest movements with the Arab Spring that we discussed in class. With that being said, when is there a line where people try and do too much?

Anyone who is a fan of the NFL or even sports in general has most likely heard about what is now referred to as "DeflateGate". It occurred in the AFC championship game where New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady used under-inflated footballs during the game. It is believed to work in the Patriots favor to use a ball that is more deflated because it is easier to grip, throw, catch, and may even be harder to fumble. The Patriots beat the Indianapolis Colts in the game, 45-7.

After a whole investigation was conducted, Tom Brady received a 4-game suspension without pay and the New England Patriots were forced to pay $1 million in fines. After this, a Patriots fan set up a "GoFundMe" page in hopes of raising money to help pay for the fines.

The creator of the page, Michael J. Whitman, was quoted as saying,

"We obviously know we won’t reach One Million Dollars, however we do believe the fine is bulls**t and want to help anyway we can. So whatever is donated will be donated to the New England Patriots in help with the fine! As we venture with this, we will do frequent updates to show progression of this! If enough is made to make the travel, we will fly down there (on our own expenses) and deliver a check in person!"

Mixed reviews about the page were posted. some fan's were all for the page and many of those donated $12 (the number of Brady) while other fans were sorta pissed about the page.

"I have had a GoFundMe site for 2 months for my 12 year olds much needed special education and I have raised $500. And that is all hugely appreciated. But – what’s wrong with people? Pats are worth $2.6 Billion. Signed, a huge fan living in Seattle."

Was posted to the page.

I personally have to agree with the fan living in Seattle. Tom Brady, who just took a pay CUT in January, is set to make $8 million in 2015, not taking into account his 4-game suspension in which he will not be paid. According to Forbes, owner Robert Kraft is worth $4.3 billion.

I think the organization will be fine without help from it's fans (pun intended).