Within minutes of the news that Osama bin Laden was dead, word of it spread like wildfire. Cable news channels provided live wall-to-wall coverage overnight, websites screamed the headlines, and perhaps even faster, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter spread the news from coast to coast and country to country around the world.
The speed with which information travels these days is truly mind blowing. For a look at the role social media played in this story, we turned to Assistant Professor Anthony Rotolo, who specializes in social media at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.
"If you look back to 9/11, it was pre-Twitter and pre-Facebook really, when we all experienced a similar shock, and there was no way for the country to come together," Rotolo told CNY Central by phone Monday morning. "What was unique about last night is that not only did people learn about what happened through social media, but during the news coverage, the nation was having a conversation online. People were sharing their excitement, sharing their experiences and speaking to each other in a way that was never possible before."
Reaction to Osama bin Laden's death has been pouring in on our Facebook page overnight and throughout the day. And while there seems to be a collective sense of relief and celebration, there is also a great deal of skepticism and even outrage at the way some people are reacting.
Jennifer Gladle writes, "NY is crying again today ...... but these are bittersweet tears of relief..and thanksgiving...and pride... now perhaps the tears of healing can begin...."
Christopher Tarbox talks about the pride he feels. "God Bless the USA! Find pride and celebrate that such an evil man has finally met the face of death! We have a lot of work to do, so keep praying for our troops, its not over yet, but this is a great day! Celebrate, be proud to be an American!"
But amidst the voices of triumph and satisfaction come those of skepticism. Amie Perry Porter wrote on our Facebook page, saying "While I would LOVE to believe that he is dead, without visual proof, how can anyone really be sure that Osama Bin Laden is gone? Buried at sea already? Sounds a bit funny to me..."
Others are disappointed by the jubilant celebrations captured on college campuses like Syracuse University and SUNY Oswego, even at Ground Zero and in front of the White House overnight.
Christine Bondi told us, "Seeing parties in pubs here in America in celebration of his death was a chilling reminder of the way the celebrations looked over there when Americans were dying. Come on America, we're better than this. I have to believe that we are better than this."
The other sentiment we've heard from our viewers and readers is concern about what this may mean for our security in the days and weeks and months to come.
Shortly after the announcement of bin Laden's death, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel advisory to U.S. citizens traveling overseas.
Shannon Nicole Fooks expressed concern about potential retaliation from extremist groups in a posting on our Facebook page, saying "I think its a good thing that he is dead. But what did America do?? Did we just open up a can of worms so to speak??? We do not know what kind of power his followers has or what they are capable of doing to gain revenge."
And while there is no specific threat, law enforcement agencies across the country are adding extra security measures in light of bin Laden's death, out of "an abundance of caution."
In Los Angeles, police were stepping up intelligence monitoring, while New York was sending extra police to its subways, airports, bridges and the World Trade Center site itself.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it will add more police at the facilities it runs, which include the airports, the George Washington Bridge and ground zero.
Washington's Metro transit system also stepped up security.
Undoubtedly, the death of one of the world's most wanted terrorists will continue to garner passionate reaction in the coming days. We'll keeping watching and listening as it unfolds.
How did you first hear the news? Through a traditional media outlet? Social media? What was your initial reaction? What do you think about some of the points made by our Facebook fans in this story? Leave your thoughts below.
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Information from the Associated Press was used in this article.
