Week 5: Facebook Revolution

I am writing this blog as a reaction to this article.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/15/business/media/15facebook.html?_r=2&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto

I find it interesting how large of a role social networking, specifically Facebook, is playing in the revolutions that are taking place in the Middle East. The amount of “power” that Facebook has in keeping people connected has been demonstrated over the last few months. People have organized rallies and protests through Facebook and Twitter that have help the removal of both Tunisian and Egyptian Autocratic rule.

Also, this article talks about Facebook’s hush approach to the dealings in the Middle East. Although I see the use of Facebook for such radical reasons as a positive use of a networking tool, I understand Facebook’s apprehension. Being associated with a particular political ideology becomes tricky when a company is trying to remain impartial in order to attract the most people to their site. If Facebook adopted a political agenda they would risk alienating themselves from particular idealogical groups.

Domestically, people could interpret Facebook’s association in a negative way. Internationally, the countries that are suffering through the revolutions could strike back against Facebook and limit its use on in their country. This would reflect badly on Facebook as well as hurt its entrance in to untapped foreign markets. Facebook has been quickly spreading throughout the world, even in third world countries and a ban on Facebook could greatly affect Facebook’s integration into life in certain countries.

I think this applies to our case study with Campus Mom as well. Although we are not going to be starting any revolutions, the way Facebook has been used on such a large scale could be an example of how Campus Mom can reach customers. Although Campus Mom has a week online presence, the activity and focus on social networking can be increased, resulting in a large marketing reach. It did not take long for the Egyptian Revolution to take advantage of Facebook’s hundreds of millions of users.

What do you think about the use of Facebook, and social networking for a political purpose? Do you think Facebook is handling the situation correctly? What other uses for social network have yet to be realized?