Does social media empower us?

Facebook, twitter, blogs - web 2.0 has given us all a forum to voice our thoughts and opinions, share our feelings and ideas - and give us the satisfaction that we matter. Doesn't matter that we're not experts on a matter - this is democracy in the 21st century and our opinions count!

From broadcasting our hook ups and conquests - to our fails and faux pas - social media gives us a forum to say what we really think - and with 140 character limits - we don't even have to give evidence or support our claims. Don't like it? De-friend me right now - go on I dare you.

So has social media liberated and empowered our society - giving us an outlet to speak our minds freely? Or are we in such a frenzy to be heard that what we say has no real substance anymore?

And where do women fit into the social media sphere? I wonder about women in particular because women are seen as being exceptionally influential in this space. A 2008 study shows that while both sexes are adapting social media, women far outpace men in the use of these networks. Women are generally more community and network oriented in their daily lives and there more mediums - such an online gaming - that demand male attention in front of the computer.

So how are women using their online voice? Many speculate that as social media continues to grow as a viable and necessary business component, more and more women will be needed to execute these strategies - which means more opportunities to females to be in control. On the other hand, on a personal level, maybe it's a bit of a social crutch that lets us hide behind our idealised visions of the world - where everyone is tweeting, liking and digging the same things - and speaking with the same voice.

But who's REALLY listening?

What are your thoughts on social media in society? Do you use it? Do you like it?