Social Media Existential Question Time

When the primary organizing principle of American society is "make money now," should you be surprised when corporations "take over" social media like Facebook, Twitter and blogs?

In a society armed with access to blogs, micro-blogs, online video, podcasts, social networks, texting and cell phones - are we more connected than ever? Or, are we more distant than ever?

Which of the following are the creators of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and similar social media technologies most interested in:

1. "Unshackling information" for "free flowing knowledge sharing" to create a better society?


2. Selling their business so they can retire early to a mansion on an island paradise?

Has social media curbed gun violence or delivered healthcare to more Americans?

If 90% of all messages posted to Twitter are generated by 10% of Twitter users, how big a con is micro-blogging?

What is more real - your "persona" on Facebook or your actual self live and in person?

What is more likely - Twitter helped Iranians protest against their recent elections OR the Iranian protests against their elections provided Twitter a reason to exist?

What is the efficacy of posing existential questions about social media...on social media?