The offline impact of Facebook

[rajusri]

While Facebook is an online phenomenon, it has made waves in the offline world; inspiring, entertaining and often forcing accountability from those in power. Compiled by Ashwin Achal.

Source: The Hindu


In this undated photo, originally posted on a Facebook page belonging to Eden Aberjil, an Israeli army soldier poses in front of blindfolded men identified in the Israeli new media as Palestinian prisoners. The photo caused an outrage among netizens, and was since removed from the site. Photo: AP

This Facebook photo posted by Michaele Salahi shows Tareq Salahi, left, Vice President Joe Biden and Michaele Salahi, right, at the White House state dinner in Washington in November, 2009. The Secret Service came under fire for allowing the couple into the dinner even though they were not on the guest list.

"We are the men of Facebook" is written on the ground as anti-government protesters gather in Tahrir Square, Cairo, Egypt during the famous uprising in February, 2011. Egypt's military rulers then posted a Facebook poll to gauge the popularity of nearly 20 presidential hopefuls.

 

[rajusri]

In this combo image from July 2011, Wendi Deng (in pink), wife of Rupert Murdoch, reacts as a protestor tries to throw shaving foam on Rupert Murdoch, at the House of Commons Committee meeting in London. The video of the quick reaction from Wendi went viral on Facebook.

Veterinarian Livia Pereira cares for paralyzed lion Ariel in her home in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Pereira says donations from people who belong to the Facebook page created for the lion pay for Ariel's treatment.

 

[rajusri]

Facebook has had its impact in India as well, as thousands of Bhopalis take out a 'Peace March' against the Chief Minister's proposal to rename Bhopal as "Bhojpal" in Bhopal in March, 2011, after a campaign named 'Save Bhopal Initiative' on the social networking site

Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission with Sudha Pillai, Member Secretary, Planning Commission, at the launch of the Facebook Page of the Planning Commission at Yojana Bhavan in New Delhi in February, 2011. Many government organisations now use Facebook to attract the attention of social and politically conscious youth of the country.

Activists of the National Conference burn the efffigy of People's Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti in protest against a caricature on Facebook - A poster of the Bollywood hit '3 Idiots' morphed to spoof the late Sheikh Abdullah, Union Minister Farooq Abdullah, and his son and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah - describing the three as 'betrayers of Kashmiris.'

 

[rajusri]

George Bronk, seen here in the Superior Court in Sacramento, California, used Facebook to violate the online privacy of women in 17 states. After searching for nude or semi-nude photographs or videos of the women, he then distributed the images to their contact lists. Bronk was sentenced to more than 4 years in prison.

Britain's Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg used Facebook extensively during his campaign for Britain's General Election 2010. Thousands of netizens joined the Facebook group calling for the Liberal Demacrats to come to power.

Even Queen Elizabeth II is active on Facebook, which she started in late 2010. The Queen offers fans daily updates on her engagements.

 

[rajusri]

Belarus policemen detain people during an action entitled "Revolution via Social Network" in Belarus in July, 2011. The authoritarian government had tried to thwart the protest by blocking access to Facebook and Twitter.

A high-profile Facebook protest in Israel in June, 2011 caused a drastic drop in cottage cheese prices. Israeli newspapers later carried headlines such as: "We Won," and "Cottage Cheese Victory."

 

[rajusri]

is facebook has something to do with US govt and CIA? do they share info , modify and create things in favor of US interest? It's huge impact clearly makes some doubts!

 

[Zabaniyah]

is facebook has something to do with US govt and CIA? do they share info , modify and create things in favor of US interest? It's huge impact clearly makes some doubts!

Yes! Believe me, they do.

 

[rajusri]

Yes! Believe me, they do.

may be if company like google can do something like that. it is not surprising for facebook.

 

[S.M.R]

'Draw Mohammad Day' had also a very massive offline impact of facebook.