Social media is a multi-faceted platform used for social interactions; however, it is also a volatile mechanism used for and against terrorism. For example, during the November 2008 Mumbai attacks, people caught in the violence used Twitter, providing real-time updates and eyewitness accounts of the ongoing chaos. People who were in hiding amidst the attacks also utilized social media to find out what was going on outside. Some even managed to engage the help of relatives and friends via the usage of social media to escape. For instance, Anthony Rose, a member of a film crew, was able to contact his mother, who then sent him a floor plan of the hotel they were trapped in, thus aiding in their escape.
However, these people weren’t the only ones using social media. Organizers of the terror attacks were monitoring Twitter using their smartphones and Blackberries. Google Maps and Voiceover Internet Protocol (VoIP) were also employed to help the attackers navigate through Mumbai and communicate with the base headquarters. Because of this extensive usage of social media, terrorists were able to stage a well-planned assault on the city and also determine the exact hiding places of their targets (foreigners), making it easy for the terrorists to launch a surprise ambush. This resulted in the Indian government requesting that all live Twitter updates cease immediately in order to prevent further repercussions.
Who ever thought that the ills of social media were limited to just invasions of privacy and improper posting/handling of content?
Well, I think the biggest takeaway from the information gathered above is this: with a powerful tool like social media at our disposal, we users need to utilize it well and maximize its benefits to society. With great power comes great responsibility. :D
References:
Social Media & Terrorism in Mumbai
Feds reading Tweets
No comments:
Post a Comment