"Services like Twitter have grown beyond destinations to literally become communications infrastructure, the means by which we interact with our peers, our friends, our heroes and our brands," said Shimmin. "Twitter, in particular, has become a means by which we're able to participate in vast but short-lived communities, not just within our limited circle of friends. When we see something on television that excites or enrages us, we turn to Twitter, connecting with others who are sharing this same experience."

Dan Olds, an analyst with The Gabriel Consulting Group, said people are increasingly quick to turn to their favorite social networks whenever they're upset or excited about something.

"Social networks have now become deeply intertwined in the fabric of life," he added. "It's to the point where if someone has some issue or problem they want to vent about, they don't call their friends or neighbors, they immediately run to Facebook or Twitter."

In a similar vein, users took to social networks in March to after he verbally bashed a Georgetown University law student for supporting birth control.

In part because of social pressure, Limbaugh's show at the time lost more than 20 advertisers, including Allstate Insurance, AOL, Citrix, Quicken Loans and Sears.