Power of social media - The Twitter Revolution

Social networking sites are all the rage nowadays, be it Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Orkut, Hi5 and numerous others. While initially used as a medium to stay in touch with friends and loved ones in different parts of the world, these social networking sites are now n essential part of every youngster’s daily routine. With the introduction of applications and groups and other such platforms social networking sites have now expanded to being a forum to exchange opinions, to rally for a cause, to increase awareness about social, cultural and political events.

The latter became evident a week after the 2009 elections in Iran when protests broke out in Tehran and other major cities around the world in support of opposition candidate Mir-Hossein Mousavi. The collective protests were organised through the popular social networking site – Twitter. While the Iranian government struggled to tighten its reigns on the online medium they were not prepared for the deluge of tweets that stirred Iranians and the rest of the world to retaliate in unison.

Another example of social networking sites marking history would be in the case of current US President, Barack Obama. Prior to him winning the election, the President was successful in rounding up a ridiculous amount of followers and supported the world over by creating his online presence on social networking sites like Twitter, Myspace and Facebook.

Today you can stay updated on your favourite athlete, politician, actor, musician, comedian or just about anybody through these sites. You can follow foreign policy, execute change, incite a revolt or just network.

This is truly the dawn of a new age, one filled with possibilities that are yet to be explored and an age where just about anything is possible. Social networking sites are more than what they were originally intended to be, today they are stepping stones to success, filled with networking opportunities and innumerable possible contacts. Meet like minded souls from all over the world, start your own group, follow someone you admire and do just about anything. Your online presence is fast becoming more important than your physical one and the virtual realm is easy, accessible, user friendly and filled with promise.