# Facebook Journalism Facebook is being used as a mass communication tool, transforming the definiti. By [Katherinev123](https://www.trendhunter.com/katherine), Contributing Editor | Published Jan 12, 2007, updated Nov 19, 2009 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/facebook-journalism-facebook-is-being-used-as-a-mass-communication-tool-tra ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.9/10 - Evidence articles: 3 ## What is the Facebook Journalism trend? **Facebook Journalism:** Description - Social networking sites like Facebook have taken citizen journalism to the next level. This year, Facebook was proved to be a reliable source for spreading messages, from emergency warnings to activism campaigns to gaining political favor. Implications - More people are looking to news sites and blogs created by citizen journalists to obtain news, facts, product reviews and entertainment. This is largely due to the fact that people consider content from friends to be more credible than traditional news media which is typically paid for by advertisers. Facebook is one of the easiest, cheapest and most rapid forms of media to create buzz. People are more likely to endorse a product or service or a support an icon or leader if their friends are doing the same. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 3 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 22 to Sep 4, 2007 - Published: Jan 12, 2007 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence) - Megatrends: [Co-creation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/co-creation), [Prosumerism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/prosumerism), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe ## Themes within the Facebook Journalism trend ### Citizen Journalism Increasing reliance on citizen journalism due to credibility and agility factors spurs growth of social networks like Facebook as news and communication tools. ### Social Media for Political Campaigns Growing number of political candidates using social media platforms as an essential tool for connecting with younger voters. ### Grassroots Activism on Social Media Social media is proving to be a significant tool in advocacy campaigns to achieve social and economic justice by mobilizing citizens to force change. ## What the Facebook Journalism trend means for industry ### For Media Industry News outlets and journalists explore social media as a valuable tool for distributing information and engaging with their audiences. ### For Political Campaigns Political campaigns recognize social media as a low-cost communication and engagement platform for connecting with voters. ### For Advertising and Marketing Industry The credibility of social media as a source of information for people prompts companies and brands to use social networks as platforms to run and support marketing campaigns. ## Trend signals for Facebook Journalism Trend score 2.9 out of 10, from popularity 47%, activity 33%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 47% - Activity: 33% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Facebook Journalism trend 3 featured examples from Apr 22 to Sep 4, 2007. - [Grassroots Facebook Campaigns Against HSBC Successful!](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grassroots-facebook-campaign) (Category: World) Implication: The HSBC campaign shows how social media is driving disruption in the banking industry because changes in policies or practices can be immediately challenged by activist groups wi… - [Politicians on Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/politicians-on-facebook-social-networking-to-win-votes): Social Networking to Win Votes (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: The rise of social media platforms like Facebook for political engagement creates opportunities in social media technology to increase engagement and enhance user experiences for… - [Oxford Uses Facebook to Find and Fine Students](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oxford-uses-facebook-to-fine-students) (Category: Pop Culture) Implication: Universities and colleges implementing new strategies to monitor student behavior and enforce regulations. ## Recent trend clusters - [Automated Upkeep](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/automated-upkeep) (Tech) - [Serial Snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/serial-snacking) (Lifestyle) - [Autumn Teasers](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autumn-teasers) (Business) - [Ambient Assistance](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ambient-assistance) (Tech) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [Commemorative Tennis Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-roger-centre-court) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Mini Clog Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cars-x-crocs-blind-box) - [Actor-Led Pre-Fall Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/austin-butler) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)