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Paris attacks

Hipstercrite Life

Why social media silence on Paris doesn’t equal apathy.

I wrote a piece over on my Medium channel regarding social media and the Paris attacks.

I wanted to bring it over here as well.

In light of the tragedy in Paris, as I stared wide-eyed at the news trickling in, I wrote this on my Facebook and Twitter pages:

“When one doesn’t post on social media about tragic events, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care. They might choose to reflect or mourn in private.”

Adding to the worldwide conversation felt trivial, needless. Writing the standard “My thoughts are with Paris” or “ Hold your loved ones closer tonight” felt like understatements. Changing my photo to the French flag felt meaningless. There is nothing I can offer to my social media community at this time, nor do they need to confirm how sad and frustrated I am. They feel the same way.

(I am not judging those who choose to express their grief this way; for me, it just doesn’t feel right.)

However, a concern that pops up- a concern that one shouldn’t be entertaining (more…)