Facebook: An Empowering Network

Facebook: An Empowering Network

Facebook is a virtual network used commonly for communication, it is a site that allows its audience to post anything they want. From what they had for lunch, to anything like “I just committed murder”. Facebook is a web system where the spectators can write whatever they say, with little to no punishment – unless someone should report another’s post; it is empowering having control over a website, regardless of if the control is only over your account. 

Facebook is empowering many people in third world countries, especially women. “Things that would have been unthinkable – and certainly punishable – less than 14 years ago, such as flirting with potential partners online, and lampooning the government, now regularly appear in Afghan Facebook timelines” (Herrmann. 2015). Women in Afghan were using facebook to post about a murdered woman named Farkhunda, to seek justice for the cruelty done to women in the country; and the lack of protection the Government gives them. 

“Power is not just a negative, coercive or repressive thing that forces us to do things against our wishes. Power is a networked space of relations – and it can also be a necessary, productive and positive force in the networks of society” (Gaventa, 2003, p.2). Facebook is empowering the youth to stand up and participate in rallies for those they deem less fortunate, and for those who need help. The youth are more ‘in the know’ about political agendas and current events happening around the globe; then the generation before them ever were, and with hashtags and constant ‘sharing’ the youth are starting a new agenda to campaign for change and help as many as they can. Facebook is empowering them to do so, by showing all the news and current events, and by allowing one person in the know to alert all others on facebook with a click of the button.

Reference List

Gaventa. (2003). BA1002: Our space: Networks, Narratives and the making of place, week 5 notes. Retrieved from [powerpoint slides]: https://learnjcu.jcu.edu.au

Herrmann, J. (2015, July 11). How social media is empowering young Afghan women: the facebook effect. Retrieved from Independent News: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/how-social-media-is-empowering-young-afghan-women-the-facebook-effect-10375022.html

Lafferty, J. (2013, December 30). The Story Behind Facebook's New Iconic Thumb Stickers. Retrieved from Social Times: http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/the-story-behind-facebooks-new-iconic-thumb-stickers/297338