How do you think social media will change in the future?

Social media has gone through its own share of growing pains. This new technology used as a method of communicating, has evolved at a dizzying pace. The first major change will be the increased use and functionality of smartphones. Apple, with the emergence of the iPhone 4s allows owners to use their phone as a credit card, with a twist. This technology is being propelled along with Dwolla, an online payment mediator that allows people to buy things by transferring money from their cellphones (MacLean's).
The digital giants will control all aspects of our digital lifestyles. One company will build you a device, sell it to the consumer and then sell them the content to play on it. Google is starting its first ever home entertainment device, a system for streaming music. Google Music, a free cloud service will allow users to share and discover new music. Facebook is dabbling in phones. Apple, who was primarily a desktop producer, is looking towards televisions where the user can play content from iTunes. This is the creation of ecosystems where consumers and their content are tightly tied-in to one system (New York Times).
YouTube is another example of an Internet company moving towards digital evolution. The Internet is going to replace traditional TV by producing content without networks being involved. They will focus on niche market audiences and tailor programming to the users' specific requirements. Viewers will be able to watch the Tony Hawk channel or catch up with Amy Poehler's Smart Girls at the Party, an advice channel. YouTube streams over four billion videos a day so their built-in market is vast and preexisting (MacLean's).
The Smartphone revolution, clouds, YouTube TV and ultimate control of a users' digital lifestyle are just four of the ways social media will change in the future.

Sources:
MacLean's; January 16, 2012: Volume 125, #1, page 49; "The credit card killer".
MacLean's; February 6, 2012: Volume 125, #4, page 46; "YouTube's exclusives".
The New York Times; February 19, 2012: page 6; "Tech Giants to Control our Digital-Driven Lifestyle".

Do you think that social media has the potential to bring about real social change?

It started with so much promise. Kony 2012 united the youth of the world and encouraged them to bring about great social change. Their united voices could stop a corrupt, cruel war lord in Uganda, Africa. It spread over Facebook and took social media outlets by storm. It was all anyone was talking about on the Internet, with over 13 million views and this resulted in main stream media outlets picking up the story. A film that tugs at the heart strings is turning out to have feet of clay. The Globe and Mail delved into the story and found that Kony and the LRA haven't been a serious threat since late 2008. The Uganda government could have defeated this rebel group years ago but there is so much corruption within the hierarchy of their government nothing was done for years.
On a smaller note, social media was used in a positive way, which saved a young English boy's life. Luke was feeling suicidal and posted his unhappiness on Facebook, Tmblr and email. Most of the responses where hate fuelled and told him to go ahead and kill himself. One young viewer was deeply touched by the situation and from across the ocean set in motion a dramatic intervention. A Newmarket, Ontario girl, Paige, searched the Internet for clues about Luke's location and called a Police Station in Bath, England who sent an officer to Luke's home and he received the treatment and help he so desperately needed.
Two young people, a world away from one another built a social network, a sense of community and caring that saved a life. In the right hands social media can be used to build bridges and create a sense of community. It can bring about real social change. Without a filter, social media can unite citizens around the wrong cause. It is the viewer's responsibility to check the facts and make sure the cause is a worthwhile one.