The Power of Social Media

It is amazing to see how the impact of social media has changed our society. I remember when Myspace was launched and everyone found a new way to connect/spy on their friends. After everything that has happened in Egypt over the last few weeks, social media has proven to be a force for social change and an outlet in which to organize political protests.

Wael Ghonim, a Google Executive, acknowledged he was a driving force behind the Facebook and YouTube campaigns that sparked political protests Cairo's Tahrir Square. Tens of thousands of people gathered together and successfully brought down the leader of their country, and the plan was organized by Facebook. To me, that sounds CRAZY. Do you think Mark Zuckerberg, drunk in his Harvard dorm room, ever imagined his social network could have ever become this influential?

We have even seen the power of social organization by Facebook here at UNCW. Last semester, during final exams, one UNCW students organized a rave in Randall Library where over one thousands students participated. At the end of this video the organizer of the "Randall Rave" talks about the impact Facebook played in informing UNCW students.



It is clear that social media is now the driving force behind social gatherings. From as small at getting people together for a birthday party to organizing political reform, the impact of social media cannot be understated. It is no longer just a social tool and an alternative to face-to-face communication.

Egypt has potentially set an example for other nations who also feel persecuted by their government. Facebook and Twitter can now become tools for other oppressed countries to organize political protests. The possibilities of social media are limitless.

Also, on a complete side note, my girlfriend decided to get the puppy. We are going to pick him up this afternoon!

To Adopt or Not to Adopt

No, not a child--definitely not. My girlfriend of three years is having a birthday soon and I want to get her a really awesome gift. For years she has expressed that she wants a puppy, but being on the UNCW volleyball team has kept her from being able to fully commit to owning an animal. Now that her senior season is over, I thought it would be the perfect time for her to own a dog.

So I contacted my sister, who works for an animal hospital, and asked her if she knew of any dogs who needed adopting. She found the puppy shown above.

He is four months old and weighs 15 pounds. He is half cocker spaniel and part pug/beagle and probably won't end up weighing more than 25 pounds when he is grown. And since my sister works for an animal hospital, she would make sure the dog has all its shots, provide crate/toys/leash, get it neutered, and give 12 months of heart worm, tick, and flea prevention medicine.

I didn't want to surprise my girlfriend with the dog so I told her about the opportunity I came across and informed her of how my sister would help with the expenses. At first, she was really excited. But then she started to analyze the the decision and began asking questions like: Is now the best time to own a dog? Am I ready for the responsibility? What if the dog gets sick and I can't afford an operation?

So rather than presenting what I thought was an exciting opportunity, I have created a dilemma that has caused my girlfriend to question her maturity and evaluate if she is capable of caring for another life.

To me, she is overanalyzing the decision. I know she would be a great mother for this dog and the transition into becoming an animal owner will be easier than she thinks. But ultimately I know that she has to decide if she is ready for this responsibility.

So on Friday, we are driving to Raleigh to visit my sister and see the dog in person. I am hoping that my girlfriend will realize that the dog is a good decision and she and I will have a puppy to play with--but I know that is a selfish way to think.

Honestly, I am just hoping she will realize how independent and responsible she really is and that she is mature enough to take on this type of responsibility. But we will just have to wait until the weekend.