As social networking becomes an increasingly integral part of our society, it could be expected that users will share more of life’s triumphs and tragedies. However, for one mom, sharing the loss of her young son sparked public outrage.
Shellie Ross, an avid blogger and tweeter, announced the passing of her 2-year-old son to her 5,000 followers on Twitter, according to ABC News.
Ross tweeted 34 minutes after her 11-year-old son dialed 911 to report that his brother was floating unconsciously in their pool, according to the story, begging for her followers to “please pray like never before, my 2 yr old fell in the pool.”
About five hours later, ABC News reports, the distraught mother tweeted again, saying: “Remembering my million dollar baby.” She also included at least two photos of her son.
Her announcement prompted both sympathy and anger from other Internet users, the network reported.
Ross told ABCNews.com that no one had a right to question her tweets, and that anyone who attacked her for announcing her son’s death on Twitter “is a small-minded a**hole who deserves to rot in hell.”
Some people, however, defended her actions saying that tweeting the most effective way of disseminating the news with some of the people most important to her.
As social networking continues to evolve and spread among demographics, I have no doubt that users will continue to share more about themselves.
In fact, I am surprised that Ross’ story is even newsworthy. The proliferation of information about one’s life is one of the most practical and common use of social networking sites, like Twitter and Facebook.
In fact, above the box utilized the share information on Twitter asks users: “What’s happening?”
Ross, I believe, did nothing wrong. She utilized her social network as she desired. Her child’s welfare or well-being was never threatened or put at risk by her actions. She simply turned to her friends and followers in one of the darkest moments, just as people have for thousands of years. Just because this mother opted to digitally should not change her desire — and overwhelming need — to find support.
For anyone who doubted her sincerity should have stopped following her, but to demean her, as some people did, is just unfathomable.
I believe more people will utilize social networking in their times of personal triumphs — and yes, tragedies — and will soon instances like this will be non-stories.
Until then, my heart is with Shellie Ross.
