Boston Manhunt Unfolds on Twitter

Everything happening in Boston is unfathomable. My heart and thoughts go out to everyone there. As I have been watching the story unfold, I can't help but be astonished by the role social media is playing in this. Even amidst the terrible events, social media's role in combining efforts, reporting up-to-date information and hopefully, now, the manhunt for the second bomber, is undeniable.

This is an obvious example of the changing face of news media. First-hand images showing up in tweets of the current manhunt or the Watertown shootings are just everywhere!  There seems to be no way that a news crew can get these kind of images. This one is from someone's home window!! The image has millions of views and retweets. Yes, I am constantly harping on the real-time news features of social media, but this brings that concept to a new and highly meaningful level.

I'm sure there will be more analysis of social media in these Boston happenings. But for now, prayers with the entire city.