Social Media May Have the Final Say

Social Media May Have the Final Say

He's not going to the prom...now he's going to the prom. Shelton High School Administrators in Connecticut banned honor roll senior James Tate from attending prom after he and his buddies posted 12-inch cardboard letters on the school's exterior asking his potential date, Sonali Rodrigues, to prom. The school's punishment spurred a flurry of social media activity on Facebook and Twitter, gaining Tate international support to reverse the school headmaster's decision in a week's time. By Saturday, May 14, Shelton High School headmaster Beth Smith caved on her decision and granted Tate permission to attend his senior prom. During this time, Tate and the school were placed in the national media spotlight; one the villain, the other the hero.

A study released on January 28 from the University of Masschusetts' Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research found that top, thriving companies increased their Facebook usage from 54 percent in 2009 to 84 percent in 2010. More companies are harnessing the power of this social media vehicle, understanding its ability to tip the scales. Some would say, "Don't mess with Facebook," witnessing its power to mobilize protestors to overthrow a longterm Egyptian president to reversing a school administrator's decision.

Highlighted Clip for Monday, May 16, 2011:

"Facebook Credited With Prom Ban Reversal"

By: David Muir

Score one for all the young men, and women, brave enough to draw up the courage to ask their love to prom.
And score one for the power of Facebook, Twitter…and a little heart.