In Fall of 2003, Harvard undergraduate, Mark Zuckerberg in conjunction with friends and future foes, began developing a social networking site that would forever change the way the world connects. Facebook, now almost seven years later has reached an awe-inspiring number of 500 million members. Mark Zuckerberg has certainly come a long way as a previous Harvard undergraduate, to CEO of Facebook and even more astonishing, the youngest billionaire in the world, with a net worth of $4 billion.
The Social Network
With this monumental statistic of 500 million members, movie director David Fincher has decided to adapt Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires (about the creators of Facebook) into a projected blockbuster hit, The Social Network. The movie takes the process of Facebook's development, which Zuckerberg describes as "boring," and adds a dark atmosphere, depicting all the controversy that the young computer genius was confronted with. Fincher, also director of Seven, Zodiac and Fight Club, takes the story of Facebook and adds his famous dark touch, making the movie a nail-biting thriller. The soundtrack alone, which can be heard from the few available movie trailers, will make hearts pump.
Although David Fincher adds The Social Network to his collection of stylish thrillers, with controversies, lawsuits and enemies left aside, Facebook has been able to provide for its world of users an undeniably effective form of communication. It is astonishing to see where Facebook has steered the networking world; from a website for selective universities, to a global portal for anyone and everyone to connect to. It is no wonder that Facebook has made it to 500 million members, and growing! Along with gaining members, Facebook has also gained credibility. Although it hasn't been a smooth ride for Zuckerberg and his billion dollar site, kinks in the system are always being re-worked and new platforms are constantly being introduced to better suit the needs of the social networking site's members.
Recently, Facebook has launched a new application called Facebook Stories. Encompassing the new Facebook app are stories about members and how Facebook has affected their lives. The personal accounts include touching and impressive stories about how powerful the site has become, and also highlights the potential for future Facebook endeavors.
Impact of Facebook
Here are some ways Facebook is contributing to the social networking world.
Creating Social Lives - Facebook takes the social experience to a new level with the ability to network through the internet. Members on Facebook can become social butterflies through similar interests, personal and public messages, fan pages and more. Best cure for a socially neurotic member is the fact that they never have to actually meet anyone in person. However, one Facebook story indicates a once beaten-down, socially abused teenager who attributes her social remedy to Facebook. Further, she confesses that she has found "the love of my life," via Facebook.
Connecting Globally - Zuckerberg made a note of Facebook's global reach by pointing out that even Antarctica has joined the statistics, in a January 7, 2009 blog post. This milestone illustrates just how powerful the networking site has become. As it makes its way to everyone with internet capabilities, it has the power to actually (metaphorically, of course) shrink the earth's surface. People from around the world can connect with each other, sharing knowledge and culture, thus giving a chance for the world to better understand each other.
Saving Lives- With real-time capabilities, Facebook enhances the speed of communication through a large social network. Features like real-time connection provides members within their communities, the ability to connect for any specfic events, news updates or even to save lives. Recently updated on the Facebook Stories page is the shocking story about how Facebook helped a school under lockdown. As they hid under the desks in individual classrooms, staff and students were able to collaborate with other classes through constant updates on a hazardous student, as he roamed the halls with a sword. Contributor of the story said that "We were able to keep calm because of this."
Enhancing Businesses - Last but not least, Facebook has seen a growing number of businesses and professionals taking advantage of the site's social marketing capabilities. Through the use of fan pages, companies can provide fans, clients and potential clients a glimpse into their business. By utilizing features like frequent updates, discussion pages and links for instant website access, businesses can better connect with clients and learn how they can adapt services and products to better suit customer needs. Many have shared their company's success stories on Facebook and how the networking site has propelled business.
Facebook has also rekindled relationships on all levels, launched and enabled successful charities and benefits and has even taken the time to memorialize deceased member's profiles. It is truly amazing how far it has come from an idea in the heads of undergrad Harvard students, to the social networking phenomenon affecting lives, businesses and even countries.
So as the movie trailers leave eager Facebook fans guessing, the question is, will the movie generate even more Facebook popularity?