Post travel pictures. Browse interest groups and regional or national events. “Poke” your friends (or strangers if you prefer). The Facebook social networking site, often referred to as “the Book” by the campus crowd, currently commands the attention of 54 million active users. With over 55,000 regional, work-related, collegiate, and high school networks, it boasts the sixth-most trafficked Web site in the United States (comScore). Its global reach and diverse audience (more than half its users are outside of college) glistens with publicity potential. Advertisers optimize their dollars by targeting specific regions, interests and genders, selling everything from hotel packages to caffeinated water.
But not all the messages Facebook displays are consumer-oriented.
Last month while browsing the book “the Book,” I stumbled upon an invitation to join the “Support the Monks' protest in Burma” group. After learning about the recent atrocities in Myanmar on National Public Radio, I didn’t hesitate for a minute. I clicked “join” quickly, uniting virally with its 439,621 other members. The group’s home page was well-organized, containing links to Youtube.com videos, media resources, and ideas for ways I can be proactive from my own corner of the globe. I could sign country-specific petitions, participate in marches near Eugene, even donate to the cause.
I noticed a link posted near the top of the page under “administration.” Investigating further, I learned that burma-watch.org originated from the successful Facebook group I’d just joined. With countless links to global events, campaigns and news feeds, the Web site is professional and effective. I’d never heard of such a feat. Was this campaign really the result of a popular social networking site, or had the Burma Global Action Network existed already?
Either way, it is a perfect example of Facebook’s versatility. After all, I may very well need a pick-me-up of caffeinated water before joining in the fight for human rights.
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1 comment:
Wow, Its so great to see you doing so well. I'm so excited to see someone in our generation doing such marvelous things. I'm very proud of you and I hope that you continue to carry on with your head held high and your heart full of strength. And dont forget that your friends here in Salem are always with you.
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