Social Media in the Wake of the Paris Attacks
This is a difficult topic, but it still needs to be discussed. In the wake of the Paris attacks, social media was the fastest and most widespread method used to get the news out and communicate. The world knew about the events as they unfolded thanks to websites like Reddit, Twitter, and Facebook. With all the information being spread about the events, it’s relatively easy for false information to be thrown in. Millions of tweets were posted about Paris, but some of the stories being shared were misleading or completely false.
NBC News reported on some of the incorrect news and stories being shared about the attacks. The “Not Afraid” photo being shared on social media was taken in January, after the Charlie Hebdo attacks. It is still a relevant photo, but right now in Paris, large public gatherings are discouraged. Much of the stories NBC News reported involved pictures and their misinterpretations by social media. However, they sound believable, which is why there is such widespread sharing of these incorrect stories. One should be extra vigilant when using social media for a breaking news event. It is easy for incorrect information cascade to start and propagate on social media, since most stories are not fact checked. Sharing a story only takes one click and a user dissipates that information to his or her entire network.
Social media has also been extremely helpful in the wake of these attacks. Social media reaches a larger audience than newspapers and TV do, and this exposure has rallied enormous support and solidarity around the world. Facebook has been at the forefront of this, with its use of Safety Check and its profile picture filter. This was the first time Facebook activated Safety Check for something that wasn’t a natural disaster. I can personally say this was really helpful as I checked in with friends who were studying abroad. Facebook has also allowed its users to show support for Paris with the filter of the French flag. People all over the world used it and in a way, it reveals how truly connected our global network is. This outpouring of support was made possible in large part due to social media.
Sources:
Misinformation Spreads on Social Media Following Paris Attacks by Sarah Whitten
As Paris Terror Attacks Unfolded, Social Media Tools Offered Help in Crisis by Vindu Goel and Sydney Ember