Article #11
The two explosions at the finish line of the Boston Marathon yesterday caused hundreds of injuries and left three dead. However, while everyone was scrambling for their loved ones, Twitter seemed to be the only source for information. Not only were our Twitter feeds overloading with shocking pictures and details of "limbs blowing off", but these tweets were actually transposed for credible news sites.
Reporters were able to provide their coverage through Twitter while searching for deeper, more plausible stories that could actually be confirmed. What we discovered through this horrific event is how powerful of an outlet Twitter actually is. It allowed other runners to tweet to one another comments such as "Do not go near the finish line #bostonmarathon". It connected one another in a way that at the time, the news could not do. It was quick and to the point, alerting Boston of any new details. This horrific attack has exemplified the connections we make with one another. We are a society that has an impeccably fast reaction time and with the help of social media and the news, we were able to contain the aftermath in a safe and effective manor.
http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/twitter-breaks-news-boston-marathon-explosion-148603
I think it's amazing how much Twitter impacted yesterdays horrible and sad events in Boston. Like you said it was used as a warning device but also a source of information not only for runners but also for reporters and loved ones. I think this speaks a lot to how social media has so many functions that go beyond updating statues and keeping in touch with friends, there is a lot of potential. Prayers for Boston.
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