Facebook helps movements ignite

A growing number of people are discovering that Facebook, with its 350 million members, "is about way more than simply connecting with friends," said Andrew Noyes, manager of public policy communications for Facebook. Facebook is becoming a core component for social movements, from constituent outreach for political campaigns to building support and for causes. The use of Facebook to rally political support got a huge boost when President Obama relied on it during his candidacy to get his message out, Noyes said. Newly elected Sen. Scott Brown, R-Mass., embraced Facebook during his campaign, Noyes said, an illustration of how the GOP is waking up to the power of social media.