Social media has played a pivotal role in uniting the world over the past week. With the power of the internet, millions of people have been sharing their stories and coming together to show their support for the victims.
Immediately after news spread of the attacks, ‘#PrayForParis’ started trending on Twitter, and people around the world were tweeting their support for those involved. Respective embassy phone numbers were broadcast across twitter to allow those that were caught up in the attacks to contact them.
As more information came to light, social media captured the feelings of individuals around the world. It was clear that people’s love and support were not going to waiver.
It quickly emerged through social media that peace and solidarity were never going to be torn down.
A simple but powerful picture of the ‘Peace’ sign with the Eiffel Tower incorporated in the middle has been seen as the symbol of unity. It has been spread across the world with influential people, major businesses and publicising the image.
Social media also helped out those in need during the attacks as they developed. As many were trying to seek refuge, members of the local community created the ‘#PorteOuverte’ hashtag. People opened up their homes to accommodate those struggling to find a safe place to escape from the ensuing violence.
With Twitter being an immediate source of information and the clever use of already existing hashtag’s surrounding the events, it meant that they could find shelter much faster. Twitter potentially managed to save the lives of many more people through this system.
This show of solidarity is not the only instance since the attacks took place.
Major landmarks across the world including Big Ben and Sydney Opera House turned out their lights and exchanged them for the familiar colours of blue, white and red in honour of the French flag.
Social media helped them co-ordinate so they could illuminate the landmarks around the same time.
Immediately as this came out, millions of people changed their profile pictures to show their support and awareness of the attacks. These simple gestures showed the people of France that the rest of the world are with them in their darkest times. As it stands millions still remain to have this picture change on their Facebook profile.
And even a week after the attacks, there is still worldwide support. On 16th November, Twitter's ‘#SilenceForParis’ was the top trend, as the world took part in a minutes silence to remember the fallen victims of the attacks this morning.
Investigations are taking place and as the police try to uncover and track down the people responsible for the terror attacks it is assured that the world will come together to help and support the people of France.
Solidarite.