Affiliate Marketing Secrets

Is it just any forms of entertainment (like movies, TV, music, etc) that are mainstream and commonly liked? Whereas there are indies that are more for a niche audience?

I understand that the gist of this question has been asked before, but I am not looking for a simple answer. This is for an essay I am writing and I am very curious about what people truly think about how long Facebook will be the social network everyone is using. Social networking websites have constantly been rising and falling since the dawn of the internet, but Facebook seems to be taking on a life of it’s own. We all thought that Myspace was the be all and end all in the realm of interconnection, but then our views were shattered with the sweeping coup by Facebook. I am just looking for serious opinions on how this whole thing will pan out. Unlike other varieties of social networking, Facebook seems to be coming out with an update before it has been necessary. Facebook comes out with a new update, feature, or overall improvement faster than it’s users can comprehend. It is akin to a record holder beating his/her own previous record before anyone else has a chance to try; Facebook developers are producing new material before anyone else even has a chance to come up with the idea. It’s truly brilliant in my opinion, but in retrospect this makes me question how far this can go. The only other website that I can think of which rivals Facebook (but not actually at all) is Twitter; which basically took the “status” feature, and made it the center aspect of the website. Twitter basically fell into the niche Facebook left for it: a hub for celebrity’s updates. As of now, Facebook seems to be keeping up with technology and pop culture, but all good things must come to an end, no? And with Facebook going public this year, I am just wondering; will I be the annoying Father (or even Grandfather) trying to friend my children on Facebook, like my parents are currently doing, in 20+ years? Does Facebook have what it takes to keep up with our out-of-control/insatiable culture?
Serious responses only please.

I heard on the news that it is making some inroads into parts of Middle East, Europe and gaining a niche market in North America.

Like calling Jersey Shore “THE Jersey Shore” or Extreme Makeover: Home Edition “Extreme Home Makeover”.
First example: The What The Buck show on YouTube; his show is all about the latest in pop culture, yet he’ll talk about how someone from The Jersey Shore did something dumb.
Second example: The Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew showed up where I live to make over a house, and my local ABC affiliate reported on it by saying that “Extreme Home Makeover was in town.”