Monday 8 August 2011

London riots caused by social media

Social media has caused the London riots. That's the implicit message in a much of the coverage on day three of the London riots.

This isn't true. Social media is merely a medium for trouble, a vehicle for organised chaos.The modern day pamphlets of the French revolution.

Yet the use of Blackbery Messenger in the London riots does show that technology is once again putting rioters and the lawless minority one step ahead of the Police and even the Prime Minister who is now cutting short his holiday but because of the speed and relentless nature of the London riots, this looks like a leader showing a distinct lack of leadership.

Social media hasn't caused the London riots, it has shown that the current system of law and order and summer political organisation is no longer working.

The Met would be well advised to appoint a new Chief Constable who realises this before it is too late.

David Cameron would likewise benefit from not misjudging the mood of a country in crisis and briefing stories such as how he returned to tip an Italian waitress when his country's capital is in meltdown. That, is bad PR advice.

1 comment:

  1. Isn't it interesting that the home secretary and prime minister can both afford a holiday, amidst cuts - which the rest of us have to shoulder heavily( and some of us haven't been on holiday this year), when these kids arguably are unemployed, and couldn't even possibly think of a holiday. Are the government cuts affecting some a lot more than others?

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