Is Social Media a Crime Fighting Tool?

Traditionally, evidence such as DNA, fingerprints and eyewitness accounts are what helps convicts defendants in criminal cases, but in this case their tool is social media. Who would have imagined that social media can help solve a case?

Three teenage boys were arrested Thursday and are faced with charges of sexual battery. The incident happened at an unsupervised house party in Saratoga, California, in September. Almost a year later, the three teenage boys were arrested.

It’s amazing how evidence can go viral! Similar to another case, where two football players were convicted of raping a girl who had too much to drink and images posted to social media sites. What is this world coming to?

In this case, Audrie Pott had too much to drink as well and eventually passed out.  The three teenage boys took advantage of her and took photos of the attack. They shared them at school, via text and social media networks. After learning that her photos were posted online, 15 year old Audrie posted on Facebook,

“They took pictures of me.

My life is ruined.

This is the worst day ever”.  

 

After this accouchement she hung herself.  

The case shocked many in Silicon Valley, where many of the tech giants, including Facebook are located. It underscored the immoral use of technology by young people in bullying others. Digital technologies can expand the harm that people suffer greatly.

The photos were taken of the assault as it was taking place. They spread like wildfire online. It was obvious who the culprits were by the username that uploaded the photos. 

On the Friday after her death, September 14, all the students at Saratoga High wore teal, Audrie's favorite color



It’s clear that Facebook and Twitter are added to the list of crime fighting tools. Social media has helped police agencies solve cases big and small.

Everyone in the high school knew who was responsible due to the leakage of photos from the assault. Although the images that were posted online were disturbing and upsetting they were useful throughout the investigation. All in all, the pictures assisted in bringing the young men to justice.

Social networking addiction is creating what can ultimately be a vast crime fighting network, by connecting people (witnesses) to the locations, dates, times, and photos that are instrumental in solving crimes.



Social media is helpful during law enforcement investigations

 

We have small clues about our lives all over the internet like fingerprints. In this California case, both the photos and Facebook post served as evidence to help capture Audrie’s offenders.

10 Ways to Utilize Social Media

Have any of you thought on how to really use social media? Most of us just use it to use it. Or we primarily make accounts to keep in contact with friends and family. We’re constantly plugged-in, because we want to always be in the know of things and be the first ones to get the scoop. But there’s more to social media. It can be about relating meaningfully to other people.

          Here’s a list of 10 tips to use social media mindfully:

1. Know your intentions: Think before you post! Ask yourself if you’re posting to be seen or validated by your fellow followers or friends? Is it constructive or is it negative?


2. Be your authentic self: Social media are a way of personal branding. You have your image and reputation to maintain. You should want to post comments and tweets that are related to you. They should communicate the person you are.


3.  Before you tweet or post, always ask: Is it true? Is it kind?: Sometimes we get too caught up in emotions and forget to filter our thoughts. We must be considerate when making posts. You must not forget that potential employers may read your profiles. You want to make a positive impression oppose to a negative one.


4.  Offer posts of kindness: Use social media to extend a helping hand to those in need, without expecting anything in return. You may create a connection that will help you later down the road. A simple tweet might consist of, “Is there anything I can do to help you?”


5.  Experience now, share later: It’s common to take a picture and upload instantly to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It defeats the purpose of living in the moment. You shouldn’t want to share everything in real time with your audiences. Enjoy the moment and share later. That’s the beauty of technology today. Photos or videos can be stored and uploaded later.


6.  Be active: I know some of you may have your e-mails and social media accounts linked to your phone, so it's set to give you alerts. You may feel the urge to answer immediately but you have the choice to indulge in that conversation later. You may want to enjoy your free time to truly appreciate it.


7. Respond with your full attention: When your friends or followers share links, it’s good to fully read it and respond. You may not be able to respond to everyone but at least respond to those thoughtfully.


8.  Use mobile social media sparingly: I know many of you may be plugged in at times but it’s up to us to decide how much time we truly dedicate to social media. I know as college students we tend to check into your social media several times a day. You may miss what’s happening online but you won’t miss what’s in front of you (good company).


9.  Let go: It may come off as rude when if you ignore a tweet or post but we need to ensure we have downtime. It’s important to just let go sometimes and relax. Rather than catching up on updates you may want to catch up with an old friend and have lunch.


10.  Last but not least, enjoy it: The above are ways to get the most of social media. Follow your own instincts and have fun with it.

As mentioned, the above tips are just a few ways to utilize social media to its advantage. However, you can feel free to do as you feel. Just remember that it’s okay to be disconnected from technology. Just don’t lose the focus of living in the moment. Don’t get too caught up in uploading every time something happens. Also, remember to respond thoughtfully. You want to establish and maintain relationships you build online.