In the last few days a couple of riots started in London and have been spreading steadily across the UK. Various news and media outlets blamed social media as the cause of the riots spreading and the co-ordination of the riots. Social media definitely has a role in the organisation of these riots, but in fact, it is having a highly positive effect against the riots.
Back n the 1980’s there were similar riots in the UK when Web 2.0 (social media) didn’t exist. So no matter what, these riots would have happened with the help of social media or not. The online response to these riots are of disgust, using the likes of Facebook and Twitter to openly voice their opinions on the riots, condemning all those involved.
People are unsympathetic to the riots
On News 24, an article was published that SA Facebook users are unsympathetic to the UK riots. On Twitter the news are being shared instantaneously with the world concerning the riots. People are using Twitter as a means to share news about the riots in real time, posting pictures and videos of the damage and destruction.
A Twitter hashtag for the riot clean up (#RiotCleanUp) has emerged. This hashtag is being used to rally people to help with the clean up efforts and information on where the clean ups are happening., what time to meet, where to meet, and what to bring. During this morning the Twitter account @RiotCleanup has gained 85, 000 followers in one day since the account has been active.
Use SM to get the people caught
Twitter users are using social media to try and get people caught and punished for causing the riots and looting. Any pictures containing clear faces of the people involved, or shown posing with the loot of the riots are being retweeted with the sole intention of getting these people caught. Facebook and Tumblr pages are being created, and pictures and videos are being uploaded to these channels, with the hopes of identifying these people. Have a look at Catch a Looter on Tumblr to see this in action.
Social media is having a heavy influence on the world. Look at how the media is using Twitter as a source of information. Whether it is used to catch criminals or to spark a revolution in Africa, social media is busy becoming an important source of information on what is happening right here right now.
I watch the news tonight and I saw this guy who was bleeding and he thought some guys came to help him. Why one was talking to him the other was taking stuff out of his back pack. I mean really? Very sad. Hope it ends soon.
It is sad…
I think the madness is over now. Interesting how social media played a massive part although it was bound to with the age group of most looters using social media. Funny how some of them tweeted about their looting escapades – LOL