Social Media: A Revolutionary Tool

As of today, Egypt is still in turmoil.  The protesters want President Mubarak to relinquish his leadership post, and Mubarak refuses to go.  If Mubarak did leave, no one knows what the alternative is.  It could be better or it could be worse for the democracy of Egypt.  We've been hearing that social media (Facebook and Twitter) has played a large role in instigating and in continuing of the protests. 

So today, the US ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice, held a town hall style meeting at Twitter headquarters, fielding questions sent in from around the world via Twitter.  The State Department is trying to make a point that the social media is an important tool for diplomacy.  ("US ambassador to UN hosts town hall at Twitter HQ")

Seems that our class discussion on social media is very timely.  Social media began as a way for people to network socially.  Now it is a tool for business, politics, education, and even diplomacy.  It's time we taught the next generation how to properly harness the power of social media.