This is a link for a YouTube video that has different aspects of how social media empowers people. This link wasn't created by the author of this website but i think that it can answer the question in a very good way.
Websites: "Articles." Empowering Youths through Social Media ,. This Day Life, n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/empowering-youths-through-social-media/140810>.
"Does Social Media Really Empower Local Communities?" The Guardian. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Sept. 2013. <http://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/community-action-blog/2012/mar/01/social-media-empower-communities>.
Stephen Frost and Richard Wilson. "Social Media in Empowerment." Social Media in Empowerment. National Empowerment Partnership, n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013. <http://www.cdf.org.uk/nep-microsite/files/resources/Briefings/Social%20Media%20in%20Empowerment.pdf>.