[vannevar]

Facebook will have to continue to acquire emerging social networks the same way Google kept acquiring search technology startups, until its monopoly position is likewise so well established that people stop trying to compete.

[nickik]

Why would you stop building social netowrks if facebook keeps buying them. Its printing money.

[vannevar]

Good point. I think the acquisition point moves further and further down, until you get into the realm of acqui-hires, and then venture funding for the sector dries up.

[aventrix]

Indeed, and Facebook has the analytics to know what will likely be the next big thing before anyone else. I think the only thing that can stop the cycle is government intervention for monopolistic practices.

[nickik]

Monopoly on what?