It may come as no surprise that 43% of Americans who are online say they are addicted to social networking. These days, there's one powerhouse synonymous with social networking: Facebook.
The exploding network sometimes gets a bad rap, with security issues making headlines and stories abounding of both romantic relationships and friendships being strained or broken because of connections or comments made while online. Journalist and author Emily Liebert didn't see the negativity when she joined in the summer of 2008. No, she was in awe of the potential cultural impact of social networking. It occurred to her that there had to be amazing stories from the hundreds of millions of connections made on Facebook. She decided to seek out those stories and the result is her highly acclaimed book: Facebook Fairytales. We talked to Emily about the book and her journey into the lives and hearts of amazing people who have touched--and even saved- the lives of others.
GT: Emily, Facebook Fairytales chronicles 25 real-life, feel-good, hopeful stories created out of Facebook connections. What are a couple of your favorites?
Emily Liebert: One of the most powerful stories, in my opinion, introduces Beth, a young mother from New York, who received a kidney from a stranger living in Florida—another young mother named Cathy—thanks to a mutual friend’s status update, which read: I have a friend named Beth who needs a kidney donor. If you have type-O blood, please visit her website. Beth was dying. She’d exhausted a dozen possible donors who matched her blood type but who still weren’t compatible and her prospects were growing dim. Cathy was so touched by Beth’s plight and, further, felt that the fact that they both had daughters named Olivia meant it was kismet. She saved Beth’s life for no other reason than sheer generosity of heart and soul.
Another story is about a couple—Seth and Melissa—who adopted a baby via Facebook. They had been trying to conceive for years, had experienced a tragic stillbirth of twins, and had undergone multiple cycles of IVF. Melissa’s sister had even acted as a surrogate, being implanted with Seth and Melissa’s genetic material. But nothing had worked, so they decided to pursue adoption, which can be a very long process, not to mention expensive. One night, Seth posted an adoption flyer they’d made to his Facebook wall and through a social networking domino effect, two months later, they took home a healthy baby boy."
GT: Did you find that the stories were mostly about love...or did the stories cross all sections of life?
Emily Liebert: I did find a lot of “reunited romances,” but only two made it into the book. And I picked those two because they were more than simple love stories. They had layers, texture if you will. The individuals had endured significant obstacles to be together. The twenty-five stories in the book crossed all sections of life—everything from love and loss to business and politics and even lives saved.
GT: Facebook along with all social media sometimes get a bad rap in terms of negativity that can come out of the mediums. Was it hard to find such positive life-altering stories?
Emily Liebert: Not at all. There are thousands upon thousands of positive stories that evolve from social media. But, you’re right social media does get a bad rap. And I think people need to take some responsibility for this. If you’re going to criticize privacy on social networking sites, then you shouldn’t post topless photos of yourself and leave your privacy settings open to the public! Most of the negative things that happen through social media are a result of people not knowing how to use it properly.
GT: What was the biggest surprise you found doing research for the book?
Emily Liebert: Writing this book renewed my faith in the kindness and generosity of the human spirit. I found that, through social media more than anything else, people were willing to give of themselves and help others. We live in a society where people are always stressed out and overwhelmed. I think social media can be an escape from that, and for that reason, it tends to bring out the best in people.
GT: What has the response been since the book came out? Are you hearing even more stories now?
Emily Liebert:The response has been better than I could have ever expected. I’m receiving loads of stories, which is great since I’m working on sequels to the book and a TV series based on the book! I have a fan page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/facebookfairytales and a website: www.emilyliebert.com, so please write in with your stories—the more the merrier!
GT: Are you hearing that people are changing any pre-conceived notions about the positive power of Facebook?
Emily Liebert: Of course there will always be cynics, as there should be—that’s what makes the world an interesting place. And, it provides a challenge, which I like—to prove people wrong! But, yes, there have been many people who’ve told me that the book presented them a new outlook on social media, specifically Facebook. When you read these stories, there’s really no disputing the fact that Facebook has changed, even saved people’s lives.
GT: Facebook is a mega community. What are you hoping happens with this book in terms of our ability to reach out to other people?
Emily Liebert: I hope the stories in Facebook Fairytales inspire people to reach out to others and treat them as they’d like to be treated. These stories are proof that we can impact people’s lives in the best possible way, sometimes with the most minimal effort or simple act of kindness.
GT: How has this experience impacted YOU, personally?
Emily Liebert: This is MY Facebook Fairytale! It’s opened up so many doors for me in the way of connecting with amazing new people—like you, for example! And it’s launched my career. But, on a less selfish level, it’s allowed me, as I mentioned before, to see the good in people that we sometimes forget is there.
GT: If you could personally reach out on Facebook to help one cause what would it be?
Emily Liebert: “In Memory of Jessica Elkins” They raise awareness for meningitis in the name of their teenage daughter who passed away suddenly from the disease. Jessica’s story is in the book and The Elkinses are truly the most wonderful, warm-hearted people who are doing everything in their power to help others, in spite of their own profound pain.
GT: What's next for you?
Emily Liebert: Lots! I just wrote a novel called Conversations with Friends. And I’m about to start work on sequels to Facebook Fairytales. There’s also a reality TV series based on the book in development with some fabulous producers and creative minds leading the way. Oh...and how can I forgot? I’m about to become a mother for the second time in a few short weeks. Needless to say, I’m busy!
Purchase you own copy of FACEBOOK FAIRYTALES HERE.
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