In 2004, Facebook was conceived out of an idea among four close allies in the confines of a dormitory in Harvard University. Initially, the idea was to come up with a social networking site whereby individuals could communicate with one another. With time this idea led to the development of a platform where people could interact and share information amongst each other. A social phenomena developed out of this advancement since Facebook managed to change the way individuals in the contemporary society interact. One thing that cannot, however, be disputed is the fact that Facebook has succeeded in acquiring a significant position within the current society as will be elaborated in the course of this analysis.
Facebook`s Position
When Facebook was created, the founders never anticipated, that it would only take 7 years for the Company to gain worldwide traction. With a Market Cap of $541.5B, and 25105 employees, there is no doubt that Facebook is currently the largest social networking site in the world ( Madge et al. 143 ). Its position within the society is one that cannot be disputed by other related entities, despite the fact that many social media sites have emerged since it was publicized. The supremacy of the Company is also such that it is position 71 in terms of sales, 11 in profit, 81 in assets and 6 in relation to market value across the globe ( Madge et al. 144 ).
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Social Phenomenon
Engaging with friends and family
Facebook has managed to offer people the kind of closeness that no other entity in the world would be capable of attaining. Having eliminated the barriers to communication such as the geographical distances between people, there is no doubt that the business would manage to become an instant sensation among users. It also caters for a wide variety of users since it does not discriminate but instead manages to satisfy a diverse network of individuals from various cultural affiliations ( Ellison, Steinfield & Lampe 1148 ). Also, due to this platform, families have become closer than ever before. Initially, such individuals were separated by geographical differences which emerged whenever an individual was sent out to work in a distant place away from home. The invention of Facebook has made it possible for such individuals to keep in contact with close relatives thus managing to establish a tighter bond among all the members; an indication of how the social phenomena has contributed positively to the relationship between individuals.
Currently people spend a lot of time engaging with others online via the online platform. Facebook has been able to create new relationships among individuals who end up meeting through the platform. People, therefore, have ended up having more friends than they could have ever imagined ( Ellison, Steinfield & Lampe 1149 ). Building a network of clients is essential since it is likely to ensure that individuals get the required support in the event that a catastrophe strikes. Also, people get to share a lot among each other. With many individuals communicating via a single platform, there is a likelihood for new ideas to be developed than they would otherwise have in the event that there been no such source of social engagement.
Social Capital
This pertains to the resources which can be both actual in reality and virtual, that accrue to an individual as a result of belonging to a strong social network such as Facebook ( Waters et al. 105 ). This may exist in many different forms, for instance, through goodwill, common behaviors and language and also social trust ( Madge et al. 145 ). Also, owing to social capital, other aspects such as religious networks can be brought together. It is also accredited for the reduced crime rates and acquisition of better healthcare among individuals. Additionally, it also becomes possible to link characters belonging to diverse backgrounds. The kind of relationship existent among individuals acts a predicator of the social capital that is present. It, therefore, becomes possible to bridge the gap established by differences that arise among members that were close to each other ( Madge et al. 146 ). It is also evident that Facebook offers users an opportunity to mend weak social ties with the close affiliations held. This is a major incentive especially in establishing the relationships that previously existed among various individuals.
Posting photos and information
Another social phenomenon that has emerged as a result of Facebook is the ability to share photos. Now that people are in a position to take digital photos owing to the advancement in communication technology, it is possible for them to share the pictures via this platform. For instance, the individuals can update the images on their social statuses for other people to view them and even post comment pertaining to them ( Waters et al. 103 ). It is also possible to tag close friends through the same medium of communication. The later has emerged as one of the quickest means that the images can be shared across a social network. Also, unlike the previous scenario, where individuals had to take photos severally with people so that they could keep them for future reference, it is not possible for a single picture to be taken and shared through Facebook among many users at once.
Aside from the photos, information sharing has been made easier by the social platform. For example, people are now able to send links to important documents instantly. Email use was previously regarded as the best means via which one can do this. With Facebook, individuals can be in a position to engage in the practice and many more. Also, videos can be shared amongst individuals reflecting every moment of one`s life ( Waters et al. 104 ). As a result, it becomes possible for people to have an idea of how those who are close to them are coexisting. In addition to this, some of the posts which may be observed through the images or videos sent may be funny and engaging sparking a series of debates. In this case, people tend to gain more knowledge from their Facebook friends.
Latest news and updates
As a social phenomenon, Facebook has made it easier for people to access news sources and also get the latest updates on occurrences from all over the world. Formerly, individuals had to rely heavily on global news sources such as CNN in order for them to be in a position to learn about what is happening across different countries of the world. Facebook has, however, managed to bring the news closer to individuals on events occurring every minute of the day ( Ellison, Steinfield & Lampe 1151 ). Besides, every news resource or media house has a Facebook or other social media account which is necessary for them since they can get to not only share information with their viewers but also manage to interact with them. Additionally, Facebook is accessible through mobile gadgets and other accessories which people can carry along in the course of administering their duties. As a result, individuals do not have to wait long hours to gain insight on what has been happening in a particular date.
The viability of news sources obtained via social media platforms such as Facebook extends far and beyond. For example it is possible for people to learn about an impending danger such as a hurricane, or earthquake based on an online post to that effect. Also, one can avoid getting inconvenienced by checking updates regularly to ascertain that certain occurrences such as flights are still as had been scheduled, since in the event that the weather conditions are unfavorable, there is a possibility that of flights having to be rescheduled ( Cheung, Chiu & Lee 1339 ). In addition to this, people now get to visit their favorite blogs and read engaging and captivating stories that are posted on a regular basis. In the same way, they get to share their views an opinions with the authors and bloggers as well. Due to the communication mechanism readily available on Facebook. News service providers are in a position to know which content best suites their readers by undertaking a survey on the issue. As a result, they end up delivering top-notch articles which earn them a greater following.
Information sharing
Before Facebook was developed, individuals used to share all sorts of information via email. Currently, however, the latter is reserved for official use, with the former being used for sharing both personal and official details. Also, looking at this from another perspective, businesses with Facebook accounts get to interact with existing and potential clients; a factor that has become critical to the success of such entities ( Madge et al. 147 ). Some even offer the customers an opportunity to review their products and services in order for them to establish the areas that require to be changed. The resultant factor has been instant and fast delivery of services at the convenience of consumers. Besides, this has also managed to ensure that consumers get high quality products.
Despite the significant advantages resulting from the transmission of information among individuals, the situation can also turn to the disadvantage of an organization. Facebook has for instance, ensured that consumers now have a greater purchasing power than ever before. If an individual ends up receiving a deficient commodity, the likelihood is that they will publicize this via Facebook and as a result other consumers become sensitized and thus end up boycotting products from the organization that has been called out for producing defunct goods. This has been especially useful in sensitizing businesses on the importance of treating their customers with respect ( Cheung, Chiu & Lee 1340 ). Also, customers can now report on services rendered. If they end up being treated unfairly by the representatives of an organization, individuals do not hold back but instead ensure that every other person is aware of this. In such a case the Company of interest is forced to take the necessarily action by punishing the concerned party and appeasing the aggrieved persons.
Conclusion
The phenomenon that arises out of the activities undertaken by Facebook is evident in the illustrations provided above. The establishment of this social platform undoubtedly contributed to the realization of many things. For example, the ability for individuals interact with friends and family despite their physical location in any part of the world. Also, Facebook has managed to contribute towards Social Capital, whereby various aspects are brought together in a bid to enhance communication and information sharing. It has also become possible for users to post photos and other personal details for their friends to see. News updates can also be obtained due to the existence of Facebook, in addition to interaction with customers. Besides, sharing of information pertaining to both official and personal obligations has been made possible. It would, therefore, be logical to indicate that Facebook is undeniably a social phenomenon of the modern world.
Works Cited
Cheung, Christy MK, Pui-Yee Chiu, and Matthew KO Lee. "Online social networks: Why do students use facebook?" Computers in Human Behavior 27.4 (2011): 1337-1343.
Ellison, Nicole B., Charles Steinfield, and Cliff Lampe. "The benefits of Facebook “friends:” Social capital and college students’ use of online social network sites." Journal of Computer‐Mediated Communication 12.4 (2007): 1143-1168.
Madge, Clare, et al. "Facebook, social integration and informal learning at university: ‘It is more for socialising and talking to friends about work than for actually doing work’." Learning, media and technology 34.2 (2009): 141-155.
Waters, Richard D., et al. "Engaging stakeholders through social networking: How nonprofit organizations are using Facebook." Public relations review 35.2 (2009): 102-106.
