Twitter and the Riots
As people suggest closing down social media sites to stop rioters, here's what I saw on Twitter during the riots.
As the riots raged across London last night, people thought of ways to help the vulnerable people in their communities, using social media to spread the word. Calls were put out to give support to the elderly...
RT @netwellcentre: If you live near one of the riot areas in London please take some time to check on elderly neighbours. #londonriots
RT @EnableMagazine: If you're in a riot-affected city, don't forget your elderly or disabled neighbours. Pop in to see how they are. #londonriots...and the disabled. The hashtag #disabledriothelp was set up by @BendyGirl
Pls check on disabled/elderly ppl to see if they need reassurance or practical support #riotcleanup
@stephenfry pls tell disabled ppl in UK riot areas to use #disabledriothelp - we are monitoring to offer support to those who need it. Ta x- People who were nervous reached out across the internet to friends, families, followers, even strangers, and received love, reassurance and virtual hugs from all over the world.
Right. Getting up & going to work. Losing myself in admin until 5. {{{hugs}}} to all those who live near areas of riot. love to @Riotcleanup
All my British friends near the riot areas, please stay safe :/ *hug* @x_bobbin @xthedarkone @masakox @yugiohtas @lady_nanaki @faulerro etc.
Go hug the riot police in London. They want some love RT @ebukaagbara I need some love! *sigh*- The people I saw weren't trying to start riots on Twitter. Well, maybe some of them...
- RT @mikebennionrowe: I am going to start Manchester's cuddle-riot. Everyone in Manchester just randomly hug the first person you see at 6pm
When dawn broke and the streets were littered with debris from the night's carnage, people on Twitter and Facebook set to work cleaning up London. The #riotcleanup hashtag was launched, with a website too, and a new wave of gangs took to the streets - gangs of volunteers with brooms and binbags taking back their communities.
RT @kayaburgess: Almost everyone getting off the train at Clapham Junction is carrying a broom. #riotcleanup
Visit www.riotcleanup.co.uk for info on how and where to help if you can. #riotcleanup
RT @notyourbottle: As a part of #riotcleanup, make sure you eat/shop at those businesses that have been attacked and closed. #ongoingsupport #riotwombles- Even the wombles came out!
