Week #10: Of Global Support and Riots - Social Media Edition

If you think about it, it's crazy how Internet use has gotten so out of hand. While it has mostly harmless impacts like viral videos and memes, Internet use has also led to bloody results, such as riots.

But, before I get to the bloody part, I'm sure most of you have heard of the 'French flag' Facebook filter introduced by Zuckerberg in light of the Paris attacks last November. 

Looks familiar? Maybe you've also switched to this filter to show your support for Paris, whether you actually know about what happened to Paris or you just want to follow the crowd so that you don't appear ignorant.

For me, it's great that Zuckerberg took the initiative to raise awareness about the terrorist attacks in Paris. However, where were the flag filters for the Middle Eastern countries when ISIS attacked them? How come there were no hashtags or Facebook coverage for the 10-year-old Yemeni boy who was lit on fire as a sickening imitation of ISIS' murder of a Jordanian pilot last March?

For one, I am truly appalled by this obvious display of selective grieving as demonstrated from social media use.

Now on to the bloody part...were you aware of the 2015 Baltimore riots? I'm sure some of you have seen it on the news or read it in the newspapers but did you know how it originated?

Well, from the context of my post, the answer is obvious, isn't it?

The Baltimore riots all started with the death of an African-American man named Freddie Gray who was allegedly killed by racist police officers on 12th April 2015. This sparked an outcry among the community in major social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Inspired by the 2013 film 'The Purge', protesters planned for an organized violence against 'white police officers' following Gray's funeral. They had agreed for the protests to take place at Mondawmin Mall and downtown Baltimore.

True to their word, they raided the streets of Baltimore, burning cars and buildings, and looting or damaging a dozen businesses.

According to a police commissioner, at least 15 officers were wounded. The officers were injured as a result of protesters throwing rocks and bricks at them.

The riots got so out of hand that a state of emergency had to be declared by Maryland governor Larry Hogan. Even a mandatory curfew had to be issued to minimize collateral damage. More than 280 state troopers had been deployed to assist the city police in Baltimore.

While there were social media users trying to provoke and incite more violence, there were thankfully some social media users who shared photographs and videos online to raise awareness about these riots in order to help those who suffered during this chaotic riots.

Yes, social media use can get violent and hostile but at the same time, it can also be used for a greater and better change. So, act responsibly when using social media and think twice before changing your profile picture to the newest Facebook filter or tweeting about an unrest.

Until my next post, see ya!