Social media is often the most efficient medium to disseminate information to a large population in a short period of time, so it is no surprise that many students heard about the deaths of Cam Christian and Taro Kobayashi through Facebook and Twitter. However, the student response on those platforms was indeed a surprise, but not a positive one.
Social media seems to compel users to comment on everything at a personal, local and national level. Users exercise little restraint in their commentary and have a tendency to cheapen events by offering shallow and insensitive remarks online. "I guess some Seattle U students died," followed by a frowny emoticon is not an appropriate response to community tragedy. Reacting in this way puts student death at the same level as waking up on the wrong side of the bed or not doing so well on a quiz.
There is no emoticon appropriate for expressing the feeling of losing a friend, son or teammate.
Tragedy is not a meme. You don't have to participate in it to feel like you're socially engaged. A more respectful response to recent tragedies is to show restraint. Comfort those who knew our community members who have passed, but if you didn't have a personal connection to the students, don't act like you did online. Respect the loved ones of the deceased by allowing them to have their time for mourning. Remember that this time is for them, not you. Be respectful and mindful in your online conduct.
Status updates and tweets should not be a substitute for personal reflection. Don't let brevity win over depth. Not everything needs to be discussed in a public forum. Take some time this week to reflect instead of expressing your thoughts in 140 characters or fewer.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!