7 ways social media was used for good in the UK riots

The tabloid media slammed social media for being a dark force in this week's London riots. 'Nail The Twitter Rioters', said The Sun in its main story. Reports abound of David Cameron looking to ban Facebook and Twitter at times of civil unrest.  

However, as anyone personally participating in social media this week will testify, social media was by far and away used more as a force for good amidst the rioting. The smart organisation of people, sharing of information and transfer of news was like nothing seen before. 

Here are seven highlights: 

1. Bristol cyclist takes requests for updates over Twitter, cycles to affected areas and tweets facts [link] (my favourite!)
2. @RiotCleanup harnesses communities within hours, 85,000 followers [link] [link]
3. Police forces take to Twitter to report on breaking issues and report from the courts [link]
4. Bloggers club together to help raise £20,000 to repair 89-year-old barber's destroyed shop [link]
5. Posterous site RiotCleanup.com used to share leaflets and spread the word of good being done in communities [link]
6. The Met Police share photos of rioters for crowsourced ID-ing on Flickr [link]
7. Facebook pages and blogs set up to aid the police to catch looters [link] [link]

If you have seen any more, do let me know in the comments.

Comments

[Katie Leaver]

After all the negativity aimed at social media after the riots, it is great to read a post that is actually highlighting the positives that social media used for during the violence.

I especially like the Met Police’s use of Flickr to post photos of those wanted for questioning during the unrest. Then you have to look at the organised clean up that was arranged over social media.

Katie Leaver, Deputy Editor of LondonLovesJobs