Tech

Social Media Is a Bullhorn of Support in Wake of Paris Attack

By Kirsten Korosec
French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris
ATTENTION EDITORS - VISUAL COVERAGE OF SCENES OF INJURY OR DEATH French fire brigade members aid an injured individual near the Bataclan concert hall following fatal shootings in Paris, France, November 13, 2015. At least 30 people were killed in attacks in Paris and a hostage situation was under way at a concert hall in the French capital, French media reported on Friday. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTS6VY3
Photograph by Christian Hartmann — Reuters

Amid the chaos of gunfire and explosions in Paris on Friday night that left dozens dead, people used social media to share their sympathy, give advice, and open doors to their homes to others stranded in the French capital.

Gun and bomb attacks, which appeared to be coordinated, erupted across the city late in the evening including at the Stade de France during a soccer match. Nearly 100 concertgoers were reported to have been killed at the Bataclan music hall.

People used Twitter hashtags like #PorteOuverte (or open door) to tell others they could give them shelter in addition to sharing information about embassies. Another, #ParisAttacks provided a running commentary of news, prayers, and commentary. The hashtag #Prayers4Paris was also being used to send messages of support.

Other social media sites were being used by Parisians to share information or tell friends and family they’re safe. Facebook issued a safety check under the label Paris Terror Attacks. Users in Paris were able to “check in” and let contacts know they were safe.

Paris attacks

Here’s some examples of tweets about the Paris attacks:

 

People opened their doors to strangers:

https://twitter.com/smilebucky/status/665312789859164160

 

Actor James Woods shared a photo of Dallas showing its support:

 

An account for Eagles of Death Metal, the band playing the concert attacked by gunmen, tweeted this:

 

Politicians came out in force:

 

Jean-Louis Gassée, a former top Apple executive who was originally from France:

 

Brian Chesky, Airbnb’s CEO:

 

Actor Rob Lowe weighed in on the security precautions after the attack:

 

French soccer star Thierry Henry:

https://twitter.com/ThierryHenry/status/665310592459251712