Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, a very short but popular list of some of the main social media platforms that we often find ourselves scrolling on. We all know that social media is a powerful tool. It allows people all over the world to interact, share, exchange information and even collect information. We see posts, videos, and reviews go viral every single day, so it would only makes sense to turn to social media when a person or persons go missing.
Due to the fact the social media can reach so many people in such a short amount of time, it seems to be a great outlet for a private investigator or police officer to do their research. Police departments are even starting to use social media sites to investigate crimes and other social problems. Law enforcement can now gain access to information on missing people shared via Facebook with the relevant legal process documents such as court order. Private investigators wouldn’t have to dig too deep as many communities and family members are able to create groups that keep you afloat on their progress, areas of concern, or just simple leads that come through for them.
Social Media can be used as an amber alert; almost every one can use it or has it. There have been many positive stories surfacing the internet about a missing person that had been located with the help of a simple Facebook post as an example. Not many people scrolling through their accounts would ignore a missing person post, the same goes for animals, and keepsakes that people may lose.
With all of the positives turning to social media can have on a missing person’s investigation, it can have a negative impact as well. It can create chaos, especially when false information has been given. It could lead an investigation down the wrong path which wastes time and time is a crucial part in any missing person’s case.
For the most part it could be a great option for raising awareness about a missing person’s disappearance. Whether it is short term or long term to help encourage those who have information to come forward, social media is definitely an effective tool that could be used in solving a case.