We are all familiar with the Facebook slogan, “Facebook is a social utility that connects people with friends and others who work, study and live around them.” As I read numerous blog posts for the class, I noticed the ongoing pattern of how social networking can affect every individuals live, negatively.However, I will explain a situation, where Facebook was used under dangerous but a life-saving circumstance.It proved to not only myself, but others that social networking can be used in a good/bad, negative/positive manner.
As I listened to 98.7 Kiss F.M at work today, I heard a very interesting case that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia.According to AJC, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution online, due to interactions amongst Facebook, a robbery attempt was ceased with future arrest to be made.Nitesh Bhatka, along with his grandma and sister faced a house robbery which could have been fatal.However, the teen thought of the fastest way to “connect with family, friends, and others who work,” in order to save his family. Once aware of the robbery, he made it his duty to stop the wrong doings.In other words, he found a safe and secure place in the house to get the attention of the outside world.Which we all know can be Facebook, at many times.He risked being attacked by the three suspects.However, he managed to update his status which was beneficial in the discovery of the robbery, he posted, “HELP, ROBBERS, NO PHONE.” According to the the reactions of his Facebook networks, it reminded me of “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.”He states, “A lot of People thought it was a joke,.” I’m unaware if Bhatka has characteristics similar to the boy who cried wolf, but the situation reminded me of the danger he faced and how his surroundings reacted.
He also states, “I don’t think [Facebook] is really meant as a lifesaving tool, but it’s the only way I could think of contacting someone immediately to call for help,” he said.I agree with his logic, Facebook is not a lifesaving tool;However, his mindful thinking influenced the consequence of the robbery.In addition, the architecture of his attic helped to keep him from being seen.Lastly, the actions, of his best friend determined the outcome, which some may say its “best friend instinct.” Bhatka used Facebook to post “What is on his mind” at the present time, which frightened the three suspects, this reduced the intensity of the robbery.
This article exemplified the social interaction we have amongst our “technology family.” If a phone was present during the time of the robbery, Bhatka would have been heard by the robbers.However, Facebook interactions helped save the day.So I ask myself, does this situation, along with many others predict what the future will consist of, the ongoing usage of technology?Many of us bash social networking sites (Let me mention due to the different personas we have amongst ourselves)but after this post, do you reconsider the impact they have on our everyday lives?
Although, we are in denial, just know there is at least one individual paying close attention to the importance of our lives, on social networking sites, whether or not your aware of it.The question is: How comfortable are you knowing that attentiveness from any individual listed as your “friend,”can save your life?Are we really living in public, minus the surveillance devices?
