As a future teacher, I disagree that "users of social networks are ultimately not gaining much productive value." Social networks provide an alternative form of communication that allow students with poor social skills or communication disorders to engage socially with others. Students can invite friends to events, post photos, make jokes, ect without the restrictions of their disability. I think we should be looking at social networks as a tool for our students (job skills anyone?) and be embraced by the 'higher ups'.
"How are you going to find those people on Facebook? You can do a search for groups and fan pages but that’s about it. How about wall posts and status updates of people on Facebook?"