Social Networks & Governance

Facebook recently clocked 500 million users & 'twitterati' keeps growing/glowing. A recent editorial in 'The Hindu'- 'Governance & Fifth Estate' made some valid points about the use of this social network revolution. No wonder all famous anchors/presenters our Infotainment channels like CNN IBN, NDTV etc jumped onto this 'Fifth Estate' bandwagon. Recently i started following PRS Legislative on twitter @PRSLegislative. Its such a cool way to know what's happening in our otherwise boring, but important Parliament. Also i guess its a safer way so that people don't get cynical or violent by watching the proceedings on TV.  I guess in similar lines other important government bodies like Supreme Court, High Courts, different ministries -- what not everything that affects the people should start going 'social'. This increases the 'transparency' and is a good step in the direction of a 'participative democracy'. And i think the role of this 'Fifth Estate' becomes more prominent in these days where the 'Fourth Estate' is getting into murkier deals and is completely driven by corporates & vested interests who talk about the 'selling points' of Paid News, Private treaties.