Role of social media in Amanda Todd’s death

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – People online are taking to social media to name those who they think are responsible for Amanda Todd’s death last week. News1130 spoke with an expert about vigilante justice on the Internet.

Sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube allow people to reach out for help, but it cuts both ways, explains SFU Communications Professor Peter Chow-White.

Those avenues allow for others, after an incident like Todd’s death, to try and find out who may or may not have been involved.

“It may go too far. It may bring attention to people who don’t deserve it, who may not have done anything wrong but their picture is out there and it will create a digital footprint for them that may follow them around for many years,” explains Chow-White.

He says people need to treat social media the same way we’ve learned to treat the Internet — that not everything you read online is true.

“On the one hand we like to share the good things in life, but on the other hand, it’s also putting out there people that we suspect as being involved in certain activities.”

Chow-White adds this type of behaviour could lead to terrible consequences and if people have information, they should pass it along to the investigators who can then follow-up on any tips.

Todd died last Wednesday.  The BC Coroners Service says there are early indications she took her own life.

Premier Christy Clark has tweeted she is planning an anti-bullying summit for Vancouver parents, educators and experts on November 13th.

Resources for kids and parents

The Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre  is available to help province-wide.

Stop A Bully is a national anti-bullying reporting system.

Kids Help Phone is available anytime for youth of all ages. Call toll-free 1-800-668-6868.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today