Facebook as the 'social watercooler'

In light of the new Paul Henry controversy, I’d like to reiterate what was discussed around three weeks ago about society searching for news and current events through different and unconventional mediums.
Paul Henry’s inappropriate ethnic slurs struck a chord with a large portion of society, essentially portraying him as a racist small-minded bigot; ultimately a xenophobe. Yet on the other side of the fence there is a huge fraction of society that believe that the world of political correctness and its over emphasised importance within New Zealand has claimed another victim, who was demonstrating the rights of free speech. Whichever side of the fence you inhabit, there is one thing that is ultimately evident. Within New Zealand (keeping it specific) Facebook has become the digital water cooler surrounding the event.
Firstly lets mention that Facebook groups such as “Bring back Paul Henry” (32,336 members) and “Paul Henry” (73,074 members) are climbing in numbers on Facebook. These pages are practically forums for racist banter from what can be seen, but the point is they provide a medium for those of similar opinion to converse and discuss and relate. It’s a way for people to find the latest news and gossip on a subject they deem interesting and project it to one another. It’s a place for social interaction on a similar level.
Shockingly Anand Satyanand’s page only has 122 likes, which doesn’t degenerate the social interaction that happens here, as most comments have streams of conversation that follow. Rather it is just another example of a forum that allows like minded people to seek opinions and news surrounding the event that is specific to their position.
The real evidence of Facebook being used in such a way is particularly evident in status updates. Friends and acquaintances are having full debates about the topic. I never actually saw the events take place but once I logged into Facebook I saw YouTube videos, comments and debates, pretty much the whole nine yards on the event and what it meant to people. The real development in people using Facebook as a means of sharing current events and social banter is that at the end of the day it is an internet based social medium and that allows people to share and develop arguments on a deeper level. There can be links uploaded to legitimate journalistic reports, you can upload you tube videos that take the subject seriously or are a humorous parodies. Facebook provides a richer text for debate where proof can be easily assimilated into the argument or sources that can provide greater understanding.
Basically Facebook provides the same realm for banter that the figurative water cooler provided but times that by a thousand and therein lies the result of the environment Facebook has created. It has amplified the traditional format to phenomenal proportions, where current events find you, where you are a part of the conversation or at least are aware of the conversation without being physically active or present. It is amazing how an alternative format used for social networking can be utilized in such a way where it becomes an alternative current affairs hub. It acts almost as a promotional tool amongst a large social network base, making it seem like a powerful grassroots journalistic centre. It is truly fascinating.