Yes, the Arab protester does show the potential of facebook/twitter for productive use. However from my point of view, facebook and twitter will be more like TV. On the surface it looks like it has a great potential for spreading of ideas, but I don't think it would actually reach that potential where it actually improves the overall productivity of society. I hope I am proved wrong...
Twitter and Facebook are my primary news sources - and I'm not alone. I doubt the protesters in the Arab world would agree when you say Facebook and Twitter adds no value to their life.