Yesterday, I wrote about how power is shifting. I just wanted to carry on that theme a bit.

I think in general, there’s a huge trend starting, a shift from one authority figure to a collaboration model. It’s happened with journalism and blogs, hollywood and youtube, etc. Now it’s happened in conferences. And scientists are saying that science is headed in that direction too.

Is it a good thing? Personally, I think it is. I like the trend toward collaboration. I like how the playing field is being leveled, and how a 17 year old like me can interact with the likes of Mitch Joel and Chris Brogan.

I think this trend empowers the average individual. We’re seeing a power shift towards the average user. The average person can now interact and contribute in ways that were never before possible. And it undoubtedly empowers groups to do more.

But as we all know, “with great power comes great responsibility”. I think it’s a great trend, but we have to be careful not to misuse the technology.

On a side note, do you think this power shift will happen in education? I, for one, would love to see that happen – a power shift towards students.

What do you think?