Boston Bombing- Social Media’s Significant Impact

Boston Bombing- Social Media

Social media is fun, and also professional. it is used for networking, and staying in touch with friends, but now, during a time when the nation is in devastation more often than we could ever imagine, social media is turing into a tool for offering support, and getting the latest news.

Storified by Mhairi Turnbull· Fri, Apr 19 2013 19:39:32

Praying for BostonChristian Beadles
Boston Marathon Bombing: Rush to Break News Burns CNN, Fox News j.mp/15gy2EqHollywood Reporter
The Boston Bombing is an incredible example of how Twitter kept us all connected and within seconds, millions were aware of what was happening and offering help to the people who were impacted by the explosion. The race was on for all news outlets to break the story, the real story.
BREAKING NEWS: Boston Marathon terror bombing suspect has been arrested.The Boston Globe
Here we are several days after the initial attack and the good news has been released, but this was not until after the social media flurry of updates began. 
Boston Marathon Bombings – Clear footagegloballeaks
WARNING: This video may be graphic for some viewers.
BOSTON MARATHON BOMBING SUSPECTS. IF YOU RECOGNIZE EITHER OF THEM, CALL 1-800-CALL-FBI IMMEDIATELY. pic.twitter.com/NEhd5C3KYEMASS STATE POLICE
 With the digital age, it is no surprise that the actual explosion was caught on tape. Videos and pictures from the tragedy were actually used by police officers and government officials to square in on their suspects and have a clear account of what exactly happened. 
Boston Marathon: Running for LifeThe Boston Marathon of 2013 will go down in history as one of the most infamous events of this century. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers…
Many companies as well as news outlets put their spin on the bombing, sharing the news with the public.
One Marathon bombing suspect has been caught, and another is on the loose in Watertown after a firefight with police, officials said.The Boston Globe
Insane. They’re still looking for one of the bombing suspects. This is what Watertown, MA looks like right now. pic.twitter.com/RIa3IQAzqPRay William Johnson
As the search for the final suspect went underway, the updates started rolling in minute by minute, hour by hour, and Watertown was put on lockdown. 
One Marathon bombing suspect has been caught, and another is on the loose in Watertown after a firefight with police, officials said.The Boston Globe
Multiple witnesses report gunfire & booms in #Watertown, about 10 miles west of Boston, after officer dies at #MIT bbc.in/15kZL6TBBC Breaking News
CAPTURED!!! The hunt is over. The search is done. The terror is over. And justice has won. Suspect in custody.Boston Police Dept.
But the capture of the bomber did not end the social media coverage of this event, it spurred celebration, and support. 
#BostonStrong #Watertown #BostonsFinest pic.twitter.com/3A1coXbfqpHolly Treat
Thrilled for the people of #Boston. Time for me to finally turn off the news, pop in a classic Sherlock Holmes film and be proud of justice.Joe Riggs
Boston bombing was solved in more or less a week, when can we ever have justice that fast in our countryLuis Manzano
Just had this sent to me. Near Northeastern U. Celebrations. Crowd singing ‘Sweet Caroline’ @ABC30 #Watertown pic.twitter.com/P6kVMReO2aRick Montanez
Social media has turned into the go-to source of real time news, and without the publics efforts, turning in their images and videos, this man hunt may have taken much longer. 
Amazing effort from all the authorities ,law enforcement involved with bringing Boston some justiceā€¦ instagram.com/p/YTsEcQCkpj/Tim Cahill
Just one more way social media is changing relationships one site at time.