Komen learns power of social media: Facebook, Twitter fueled fury [View all]

[avaistheone1]

Facebook and Twitter, take a bow. The head of Planned Parenthood on Friday credited the two social media platforms with forcing Susan G. Komen for the Cure to reverse course on its plan to withhold funding earmarked for breast health screenings.

Facebook and Twitter were the first to catch wind of the controversy -- and that led the mainstream media to sit up and take notice, said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The social media giants then led the online world in delivering a furious barrage of criticism over a move that many saw as trying to politicize women's health.

"It's been incredible; we're still sifting through the numbers," Richards said in a media conference call Friday morning. In addition to picking up $3 million in donations in just three days -- directly related to the awareness raised by social media -- Planned Parenthood's Facebook "likes" and Twitter followers increased by thousands upon thousands. Facebook alone picked up more than 10,000 "likes."

By contrast, Komen -- an organization accustomed to accumulating accolades and messages of support on its Facebook page -- was drowning in thousands upon thousands of critical comments.


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2012/02/facebook-twitter-fueled-fury-against-in-susan-g-komen-for-the-cure-.html