This is the first of a three part look into how social media is impacting consumers buying patterns.

The Industrial Revolution ushered in fundamental changes in agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, economic policies and social structure in England between the years 1760 and 1850, and the world was propelled forward in monumental ways.

It’s 2011, and the world is already in the midst of another revolution – one that is likely to enact greater changes in a much shorter span of time. It’s the Social Media Revolution, and it’s here to stay.

Here are some statistics to show just how deeply enmeshed social media is in our society – and bear in mind, it only became part a mainstream part of society about five years ago: