This article presents an ethnographic study of the adoption and use of Facebook
among urban Indian youth from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. Mobilecentric
use of the Internet is widely prevalent here as general packet radio service
(GPRS)-enabled mobile phones and data plans have become increasingly affordable.
Less privileged youth are the lead adopters of these new technologies, and typically
the first generation of Internet users, in their communities. My research uncovers their
leisure-driven engagement with new media, seen through the lens of Facebook use, and
the development-friendly outcomes that result from it. By examining the direct and
indirect affordances of Facebook perceived by these youth, this article highlights how
they swiftly negotiate social boundaries and technological hurdles, transitioning into
legitimate members of a global community.