Twitter, Facebook and technology have proven their true value today for disseminating information and connecting people. Earlier this morning, there was a shooting at The University of Texas at Austin. In addition to sirens sounding off throughout campus, students were immediately notified via e-mail and an emergency text message system.
The text message system goes out to about 43,000 people on campus, which students can sign up for. As the message was being spread via text, people were using social networks like Facebook and Twitter to get the word out to all their friends and family.
UT President Bill Powers even mentioned in his news conference that police were able to locate and secure students inside buildings because of these social networks.
Some of the tweets and Facebook postings from this morning from both students and faculty.
@HueyFischer tweeted “I’m in class. We are safe. Still on lockdown. God bless UT. (@ Will C. Hogg Building”
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Let’s not underestimate the power of social networks and technology.





