Tweeting During Extraordinary Events, Do We Share Too Much?
Tweeting during extraordinary events is the question today. The events that unfolded in Boston really made me wonder whether or not to tweet. I did not use the Buffer or Triberr during those tense 24+ hours. It just did not seem important with what was going on around us. The same can be said for all types of social media. How much should we be sharing when the bad guys may be following our shares and movements? Many tweeted to each other to calm one another down or to share information.
This tweet really said it all:
Boston Police asks public not to publicize what houses are being searched citing officers\’ safety news.providencejournal.com/breaking-news/… #Watertown
— Lisa(@Lisapatb) April 19, 2013
Tweeting Important Tweets?
There were other informative tweets that were important to share and to be seen. What if everyone kept their buffers and triberr settings going and took down the system? Remember the fail whale? Not a good time to see that and thankfully we did not that day. But these important tweets are great to share during extraordinary times. You never know who just got up and glanced at their smartphone or computer. They may need the information before they start their day.
Have you seen these guys? #BostonBombing suspects pics released. Plz share – someone must know them! cnn.com/2013/04/18/us/…
— Nancy Cawley Jean (@NancyCawleyJean) April 18, 2013
ALL MTBA service is currently suspended, at the request of the police according to Joe Pesaturo, PIO. #Watertown #Boston
— CNN West Desk (@CNNBig22) April 19, 2013
Due to police activity, Amtrak service is temporarily suspended between Boston and Providence, R.I.
— Amtrak Northeast (@AmtrakNEC) April 19, 2013
Tweeting Wonderful Tweets?
These were great tweets to share after the events unfolded. And the images on Twitter really are looking great. They have really come a long way with the pictures and Twitter cards.
#BostonStrong at Fenway today. Expect big things and chilly, breezy, dry weather. wxch.nl/OgxQxW twitter.com/EricFisherTWC/…
— Eric Fisher (@EricFisherTWC) April 20, 2013
David Ortiz: “Boston, that’s our ******* city!” So proud to wear our home whites today. #BostonStrong twitter.com/RedSox/status/…
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 20, 2013
This probably won’t be the last time we will experience something extraordinary before our eyes via social media. During weather events sharing is really important. It can help others to safety. But during terrorism events, how much should we reveal about our whereabouts and police activity? It’s really a fine line and a gray area. What we tweet could mean the difference between life and death.
SO, do you tweet more or less during extraordinary circumstances? What about on Facebook?
I’d love to hear your take on tweeting anad sharing on social media during extraordinary events like those from last week.
