Monday, May 05, 2008

Iraqis and Facebook

Not a scientific article, by any means, but I find it increasingly interesting how fast the Facebook phenomenon is spreading worldwide. My (egyptian) cousins in Egypt are avid Facebookers, adding every application and friend they can find. And for me, that was the best thing I've gotten out of joining Facebook, keeping in touch on a 'regular' basis with my kid cousins.
And now, I've noticed that Iraqis are increasingly joining the world of Facebook! It's not as widespread in Iraq as it is in the rest of the Arab world, but it is slowly gaining in popularity. From my husband's account, I see a good number of his colleagues and former co-workers adding him as Facebook friends. And one of my buddies from Iraq added me recently.
What I've noticed is that a number of Iraqi Facebookers are now ex-patriots or 'refugees' to a degree, i.e. they've left Iraq and that's how they got introduced to FB. And from those still inside Iraq, they're youngish (20's-30's), educated and have 'int'l' friends (Americans, etc) or found out about FB from friends and family forced out of Iraq.
Just a peak through my narrow glimpse into this worldwide phenomenon.

(btw: i'm not yet ready to give out my Facebook name. :) sorry folks!)

11 comments:

Halla said...

Am not into the facebook thing but what isn't it like Myspace? What is the difference? It is a great way to keep track of people though!!

Fatima said...

i'm not into Myspace, but i think it's similar. it's an awesome way to keep in touch with old and new friends!

Anonymous said...

Fatima - It was really interesting to read about your experience in Iraq. May Allah protect your husband and your family there.

I'm still waiting for my cousins in Ramadi to discover Facebook! I've asked them several times but they apparently haven't heard of it yet.

Fatima said...

Thanks Zainab. Sooner than you think, your Ramadi cousins will be on Facebook. :)

Fatima said...

Thanks Zainab. Sooner than you think, your Ramadi cousins will be on Facebook. :)

Unknown said...

salam..ok yes maybe.most iraqis use messenger and skype for communication ,facebook is newer than all,so it needs time to be widespread here in iraq..god bless all.

yelling_at_the_radio said...

Facebook is a lot of fun, I respect you wanting to stay annonymous. What ever you do please keep you blog going it has been a great source of insight.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ahmed said...

hi fatima, just thought I'd say hi to an old friend.

I wish you all the best. I think you once sent me an email but I was too busy to respond. Forgive my rude manners please.

mewmewmew said...

Am not into the facebook thing but what isn't it like Myspace? What is the difference? It is a great way to keep track of people though!!



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