Facebook: A Revolution in Communication and Civic Engagement

Prof. M Zahidul Haque

Prof. M Zahidul Haque

Recently a close friend of mine said that strolling on Facebook page is wastage of time! Well, I agree that Facebook takes away quite some hours from our daily time-table, but I do not endorse the view that time we spend on Facebook is a total waste!

In the last two decades, few technologies have influenced human behavior and communication as profoundly as social media—chief among them--The Facebook. What began as a college networking site by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 at Harvard has evolved into a global phenomenon, transforming how people connect, communicate, organize, and even think.

In this article, this author is trying to explore the historical development of Facebook, its impact on society and journalism, and how it shapes lives in both rural and urban Bangladesh. Also examine one of the most pressing concerns of our time: the rise of fake news and misinformation on the platform.

Brief look at the development of Facebook

Facebook was launched in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and a group of fellow Harvard University students. Initially called "The Facebook," it was limited to Harvard students but soon expanded to other universities and eventually opened to the general public. Over time, Facebook introduced features like the News Feed, Groups, Live streaming, and Marketplace, becoming much more than a social network—it became a central hub for communication, commerce, and civic dialogue. As of 2024, Facebook has over 2.9 billion active users, making it the most widely used social media platform in the world.

Facebook’s Role as a Social Connector

Facebook revolutionized the concept of personal and social communication. It enabled people to stay connected across long distances, share life events in real time, and express their identities through profiles, posts, and interactions. For many, it has replaced phone calls and letters as the primary means of keeping in touch. From reconnecting with old friends to building new communities,

Facebook has given users a sense of belonging. It also allows for the sharing of culture, language, and local customs, especially important for diasporic communities trying to stay connected to their roots.

Impact of Facebook on Modern Society

Beyond personal connections, Facebook has deeply influenced societal behavior. The platform has shaped youth culture, impacted political discourse, and even affected mental health. While many users experience joy and validation through likes and comments, others struggle with comparison, addiction, and online harassment. True, Privacy concerns have become a growing issue. Users often unknowingly share large amounts of personal data, making them vulnerable to surveillance and manipulation. Despite these risks, Facebook remains a dominant force in digital life.

Facebook Initiated Citizen Journalism

One of Facebook’s most powerful roles has been its transformation into a platform for citizen journalism. Ordinary people now have the ability to report news in real time, using smartphones to stream live videos, post images, and share their narratives.

From political protests to natural disasters, Facebook has allowed marginalized voices to be heard. For example, during the Arab Spring uprisings and the Rohingya crisis, users shared raw, firsthand accounts that traditional media could not always provide. In Bangladesh too, local citizens have used Facebook to document injustices, raise awareness about social issues, and organize humanitarian responses.

However, this rise in grassroots journalism also brings challenges. Without formal editorial standards, citizen journalism can sometimes spread unverified information or emotionally charged content without context.

The Challenge of Fake News and Misinformation Facebook’s openness is both its strength and its weakness. While it democratizes information, it also provides fertile ground for the spread of fake news and misinformation. In many parts of the world, false information about politics, religion, health, or social issues has led to real-world violence, panic, and distrust.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Facebook was flooded with false cures, conspiracy theories, and vaccine misinformation. Similarly, rumors spread through Facebook posts and groups have, at times, sparked communal tensions or mob violence.

It may be indicated here that Covid-19 has made its re-entry! Currently, the dominant variant nationwide is LP.8.1, with 73% of cases, followed by XFC, with 10% of cases, and XEC, with 4% of cases. The original omicron variant is gone. Now the sub-variants of omicron are circulating, including MC.10.1, LB.1.3.1, and LF.7." Meanwhile the Facebook is now playing its due role in creating awareness about the dangers of the new Covid-19 attack. Of course this author read opinion of some members in the Facebook pages that, the news of Covid-19 return is not that much a matter of serious concern; it may be a political propaganda in Bangladesh. Let us hope that people will be saved from the curse of Covid-19 pandemic again!

The algorithm-driven nature of Facebook also means that sensational, emotionally charged content tends to spread faster than verified news. While the platform has introduced fact-checking and reporting tools, the scale of the problem remains vast and difficult to fully contain.

Facebook in Rural and Urban Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, Facebook is not just a communication tool—it is often the entire internet for many users, especially in rural areas. With the expansion of mobile internet, even villagers with limited digital literacy now use Facebook to access news, entertainment, and social services.

In urban Bangladesh, Facebook plays a major role in business, activism, and youth culture. Online shops run through Facebook pages, activists mobilize support for causes, and young people share their creative work—from poetry to photography.

In rural areas, it has given farmers, teachers, and small entrepreneurs a voice and platform to connect with broader communities. Local groups share agricultural tips, government notices, or job information. However, lack of digital literacy makes rural users more vulnerable to scams, propaganda, and emotional manipulation.

Facebook has also helped bridge the urban-rural divide to some extent, enabling more two-way communication between different parts of society. Yet, disparities in access and education mean the benefits are not always evenly distributed.

Finally it may be concluded that Facebook has become a defining feature of modern society, reshaping how we interact, inform, and express ourselves. It has empowered individuals, amplified voices, and brought the world closer. At the same time, it has created new challenges—particularly in the realm of misinformation and mental well-being.