Does the clicking, the blogging and the “friending” add up to the end?

This was a question asked by Marnie Webb, the co-CEO of TechSoup Global (Pp_163), and my answer would be: take a look to what happened in Tunisia and what is happening in Egypt, just to mention a couple examples of today’s news. The political and social revolution that is being viewed in these two countries has taken proportions across the Arab world that were unthinkable a few months ago, and has evolved at a dizzying speed thanks (largely) to the social media which has provided a channel for ‘spreading the word’ of the protests, while serving as a unifying substance and a multiplier of followers.
If we consider that this current process in the Arabian world probably could be seen as the equivalent to the fall of the Berlin Wall, then perhaps we could also reply to Marnie Webb saying that clicking, blogging and “friending” may be becoming the new way to change the world, and not only that but in a snap.
The changes, processes and experiences that are susceptible to occur through the influence of the social media are unimaginable. Moreover, they are not limited to be of a socio-political nature, but also of a wide range of characteristics. Chris Hughes, co-CEO of Facebook, better than anyone understands the transforming power and the wide spectrum of a social network effects. Applying his experience of being one of the masterminds of modern social media, he is now leading the creation of another virtual network called JUMO. This social network is intended to be a web site where potential donors can join, visit and learn about the work of non-profit organizations that are part of the network. Like facebook, it offers free membership and the ability to link people across borders. (Attached is an interview with Chris Hughes talking about JUMO).
Perhaps the changes that this new social network can generate in the field of nonprofits will not be as spectacular as how other social networks have led in the socio-political sphere, however, it is shaping up to be a channel to ‘spread the word’ about the willingness of both donors and non-profits to contribute efforts to also change the world and make it a more equitable and inclusive place... not as fast as a snap, but through the same means: clicking, blogging and “friending”.