Shirky CH. One...Main Role of Facebook...newly emerging groups

Social networking sites serve as an easy way to gain support from others concerning any topic or cause. The story of the lost cellphone is living proof of this. Because the situation drew so much attention and support online, actions were taken that would have never been taken was it not for the ability for Evan to illustrate the situation through myspace. The NYPD's attention was directed to the cause as a direct result of the massive amounts of people in uproar over the stolen cellphone. Social networking sites allow for individuals to gain steam and accomplish great things because it serves as a forum for large amounts of people to come together and further their cause. As we all know, two heads is better than one, and thousands of people angry and aware of an injustice, proves to be powerful enough to take a case such as this one a whole lot further than a posting on a myspace page. As harmless or trivial as something like facebook or myspace may seem, in reality it is emerging as an extremely powerful tool for communication, collaboration, attention and in this case, organized action.