Facebook in a Globalized World

My presentation will attempt to answer the question “how does globalization shape media products and industry?” I will attempt to answer this question by viewing Facebook as an example of a social media industry. Globalization is defined as: reducing differences that existed between nations in time, space, and culture. Not only has globalization shortened the connections between individuals world wide, it has also caused a shift in social interaction and business enterprises. These endeavors have changed from a primarily local and/or regional focus to an international focus, or market. Jack Welch, former CEO and Chairman of General Electric, once said, “Globalization has changed us into a company that searches the world, not just to sell or to source, but to find intellectual capital - the world's best talents and greatest ideas.”

With over 100 Social Networking Sites available on the web, and over 1 billion users from virtually every country on the planet, it is evident that social networking has played a major role in the development of globalization. Some have voiced concerns that social networking has had negative effects on our society, especially children. Children growing up in our globalized society have come to consider themselves “citizens of the world” and have weaker connections to their physical home. Other fears have also been addressed that children are not developing healthy social relationships; instead they are forming relationships with the “absent other” in cyberspace. Regardless, on Facebook alone there are over 845 million users, which is roughly 8% of the entire world population, and is translated into 77 languages. Facebook is the dominant social networking site provider in 119 of the 134 countries where it is available and shows no signs of slowing its domination. One example of how Facebook has had a positive effect is found in the tiny town of Obermutten, Switzerland. Facebook has been used to stimulate their economy, primarily through tourism. I encourage you to view this video to learn more à http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzAG9_iKgRE.