What we've learned at Facebook is that with more than 18 million active users across the country, Canadian charities have the potential to use the social network to engage and inspire people to tap into their connections, helping to raise awareness and donations.

I felt guilty every time I didn't click, the way I used to feel bad about breaking a chain letter that offered treasure in the form of hundreds of people mailing you books or money, or the threat of dire consequences for non-compliance. "The four people who broke this chain died within three days."

This was the first chilling example as to how cyber terrorism could bring down the financial system, or specific institutions or persons. Obviously, new safeguards must be put in place by legitimate media brands, regulators, new media outlets like Twitter, markets, corporations and governments.

Within milliseconds of the explosions, #BostonMarathon and #PrayForBoston were trending topics on Twitter. This is today's reality when it comes to tragedy. We live in a day and age where news finds us, we don't need to even look for it. Online, in the midst of tragedy, it's easy to spot those who care... those who don't... and those who would and do dare to make some sort of joke or cast blame before all of the facts have been sorted. While this online always-connected life exposes us to tragedy faster and with more detail and impact than ever before... it also allows us to feel connected, to reach out and support one another like never before.

Facebook can't fail. There are one billion users. Switching costs are just too high -- people can't go elsewhere when all of their friends are on Facebook. That's what the folks at Friendster and MySpace thought -- just before users abandoned them in droves. Facebook could be next -- especially if they keep interrupting their users.

Is it any surprise that flashy headlines and fake celebrity death memes on Twitter get so much attention? In this era of digital narcissism, where our gateway to content is through the lens of the people we like and admire most, traditional and digital publishers must now grasp for attention in an even flashier way.

On Friday, Majid Tavakoli, an Iranian university student activist will receive the 2013 Student Peace Prize award in absentia during an official award...