Use of Social Media in Missing Persons Cases

Jenna Preston, Associate Editor-in-Chief November 11, 2021

Use+of+Social+Media+in+Missing+Persons+Cases

With the ongoing instance of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundries manhunt, more people are realizing the importance of social media in finding missing persons.

   Thousands of people appear to take been inspired by Petito's story to be more circumspect on social media and to share information in gild to help others.

   Gabby'south family unit was concerned when she went missing on a road trip with her fiancé, Brian, and he returned home without her. They decided to post images of her on the internet in the hopes that someone would recognize her. This case drew a lot of attention on social media, and people began to speculate about what might accept happened to her.

   People all around the globe began creating theories and coming up with possibilities as to what could take happened to her. It was almost like the internet was conducting their own investigation apart from the bodily authorities.

   I account was able to take screenshots from a YouTube video of Gabby's white van and share the information she discovered with the constabulary. Others watched her onetime Youtube videos and tried to find any clues in her videos and in her Instagram posts. Some people even went as far as looking at Brian'south home and bedrooms for clues on real manor websites and Google Globe. Both Brian and Gabby's digital footprints were completely examined height to bottom.

Information technology begs the question: what role can social media play in the global search for missing people if so many people were able to assist with Gabby's instance?

   Zachary Tumin, the deputy commissioner for strategic initiatives said, "Equally information gets retweeted past police and the public, word spreads very quickly to be on the lookout for that missing person."

    I retrieve that the degree of support and awareness that tin be gained through social media in situations of missing individuals makes it such a helpful tool. Anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or human relationship with the missing person, can use social media. One retweet or share may brand a large departure.

   In this social media age, fifty,000 retweets on Twitter may seem pocket-sized, but that'southward really a lot of optics on the lookout.

   At the same time, a spokesperson for Hillsborough County Sheriff's office added, "People on social media are brilliant and they're coming at it from outside the box perspective with creativity but they're also not coming at it with an investigative groundwork."

   However, the younger generation has a large digital footprint all over the internet; in fact, several apps allow you to view your location at whatever time. When it comes to missing person situations, a paper trail like this may be quite helpful.

   Say something if y'all ever find yourself in a position where you see anything unsettling in public, or even in individual. Gut instincts and suspicions are nearly always correct, and they should be taken seriously.

   If you need to report something, you can share information with law authorities or contact the non-emergency number. Don't worry if your information is incomplete or little; everything might be relevant in whatever instance. In addition, the FBI operates a webpage dedicated to missing individuals that takes data.