Thanks @globalissues:disqus! I would argue, and I’m sure you’d agree, it’s more complicated than that. We need people to realize there are different types of aid, and that no one thing – not even microlending – is a miracle “cure.” Clearly, foreign aid can have serious side effects: http://thediplomat.com/2013/11/the-dark-side-of-foreign-aid/. But mobile campaigns can have serious, unintended consequences as well: http://engagespark.com/blog/mhealth-campaigns-danger-unanticipated-results/. I think both aid and mobile campaigns have the opportunity to generate a lot of good, but projects need to be carefully thought through and regularly evaluated.

Thanks @globalissues:disqus! I would argue, and I’m sure you’d agree, it’s more complicated than that. We need people to realize there are different types of aid, and that no one thing – not even microlending – is a miracle “cure.” Clearly, foreign aid can have serious side effects: http://thediplomat.com/2013/11/the-dark-side-of-foreign-aid/. But mobile campaigns can have serious, unintended consequences as well: http://engagespark.com/blog/mhealth-campaigns-danger-unanticipated-results/. I think both aid and mobile campaigns have the opportunity to generate a lot of good, but projects need to be carefully thought through and regularly evaluated.