2011: A Socialized Society

So I've been thinking over the past several weeks about the relationship between the modern socialized media trend (a expeditiously expanding trend at that) and the state of our economy.

If the economy is guided by the decisions of consumers (which it is), then isn't it safe to say that we are now living in a socialized society?

What I mean is that every one of us is a consumer.  I wouldn't be able to write this on my computer if I wasn't a consumer of the Apple Macbook and the Blogger website.  And you wouldn't be able to read it if you weren't a consumer of whatever brand of computer you are using and whatever form of media helped you to stumble upon this particular blog post.

Now, it is widely known that Facebook has several billion users around the world.  It's used by individuals, small startup companies and even global corporations.  Facebook is a form of social media, and it is a trend (some would even argue that it is a new "way of life").  To take it one step further, the website gives you an opportunity to share any thoughts of yours via the "status."

Now think about our every day conversation.  Do you ever say to someone or hear someone say to you "Did you see my Facebook status the other day?" or "Did you see the new link I posted on my wall this afternoon?"  If you are like me, you've both said and heard someone say something along these lines.  Does this not make our society socialized?  We are holding conversations based on our thoughts - based on society

Now, before I continue I want to share with you my idea of the term "economy."  When I use the word "economy," I'm not referring to Wall Street or the economists that are featured on channels such as MSNBC.

The economy is simply directed by consumers - it just so happens that every one of us is a consumer.  That is a rough summary of "The Invisible Hand" that Adam Smith refers to in his "Theory of Moral Sentiments."

So, if the economy is guided based on the decisions of consumers (which it is), then isn't it safe to say that we are now living in a socialized economy?