Virginia Tech--and America--Mourn on Facebook
| posted by Fast Company staffAs we all mourn the loss of 32 Virginia Tech students, it should come as no surprise that Americans--and particularly college students--have congregated on Facebook to grieve together. Many memorial groups have made Facebook pages, including one entitled, "A tribute to those who passed at the Virginia Tech Shooting" with more than 107,000 members and 550 discussion boards as of 11 a.m. EST today.
Sometimes in all the hype about Web 2.0 and the technology and money behind it, it's easy to lose track of an important component of this brave new world--people. Today Facebook reminds us of the power of social networking to bring us together. Much will be written on this blog and others about Facebook's role—a mix of mourning and newsgathering--in the aftermath of the tragic events of April 16, 2007 in Blacksburg, Va. But for now...
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Recent Comments | 6 Total
April 17, 2007 at 1:24pm
Alex PasquarielloUpdate: As of 1:20 p.m. EST, the "A tribute to those who passed at the Virginia Tech Shooting" Facebook page had more than 123,908 members.
April 18, 2007 at 1:22pm
Sherimany students have replaced their personal profile pictures with a picture of a black ribbon with a VT over top of it in tribute of the victims. Also, to anyone in the bowling green ohio area, there is going to be a candlelight memorial on monday evening, the 23rd at 9:00pm. it is going to be held outside the union, in the oval.
p.s. the tribute group on facebook now has 217,689 members as of 12:22pm EST
April 18, 2007 at 1:32pm
Michelle CI've been following the news since Monday morning when all this started and I'm so SAD that the Virginia Tech Family is going through such a horrible situation. I send everyone my deepest condelences followed by a huge hug. I pray that God may give every single person the strengh to realize that life is unpredictable and you should live it like it's your last. Always tell the people you love how you feel and don't waste time upset or angry with the ones you love!! God bless you all!!!
The Collazo-Doctor Family
Tacoma, Washington
April 18, 2007 at 4:27pm
Kelsey Lyonsi AM S0 S0RRY F0R ALL THE L0SES i AM PRAYiN F0R ALL THE FAMiLY MEMBERS THAT L0ST A L0VED 0NE...
AND i AM PRAYiNG F0R THE ViCTiMS THAT ARE HURT...
April 18, 2007 at 4:28pm
Carol Lyonsi AM S0 S0RRY F0R ALL THE L0SES i AM PRAYiN F0R ALL THE FAMiLY MEMBERS THAT L0ST A L0VED 0NE...
AND i AM PRAYiNG F0R THE ViCTiMS THAT ARE HURT...
April 22, 2007 at 7:33pm
brandonFacebook users also made a huge "Wall of Support" on the new web 2.0 website ChainOfThoughts.com. It contains several hundred photos uploaded by facebook users, and received 170,000 hits in the first few hours of operation.
See the "Wall of Support"
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