Facebook, the number 2 most popular social networking site with over 9.5 million registered users, made changes to the design that allow friends of users to view feeds that post  personal updates. Students have revolted against this “invasion of privacy.”

The reaction is not protesting any new information being shared, rather it makes finding friends easier. But users are not buying. "News Feed is just too creepy, too stalker-esque, and a feature that has to go," reads the petition of the newly formed "Students Against Facebook News Feed."

What’s interesting is how students have used the very feature they are contesting to mobilize support for their cause. The “News Feed” updates every change a friend makes to their profile. When a group or petition is formed to contest the changes every friend that takes part is updated on the newsfeed. It’s not hard to see how the number of protesters grew so quickly.

After 72 hours and many “pokes” later Mark Zuckerberg, site founder and CEO, responded with an apology and better privacy controls including the option of using the feature.

Zuckerberg said the size and swiftness of the uproar caused by the new feature -- and the formation of huge online protest groups -- surprised him."The magnitude is what surprised me most," he added. Protesters were using the new feature to publicize their discontent, proving that it was very effective, he said.

The power of social networking is clear. Students themselves are starting to realize the power of online activism and political pundits speculations have been confirmed. These sites are the place to capture the coveted 18-24 vote.