Philadelphia Flash Mobs are really ‘Organized Rioting’ and the new role Social Media is playing.

Philadelphia Flash Mob

Philadelphia has recently seen an increase recently in ‘flash mobs’ that are organized and communicated via social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. There have been three events recently (Feb 16th, March 3^rd and most recently March 20^th). The most recent event on March 20^th teens congregated in the thousands on South Street around 9pm and parents alerted police about something going down after “seeing messages on their childrens’ mobile devices telling them to come to South Street.” Well, at least those parents were on the ball and realized the potential implications a mass ‘tweet’ to ‘come down to #SouthStreet’ implies.

What I found most interesting in reading up on the recent increase in organized riots (which face it, that’s what they are) is the role social media is playing and how it’s become a scapegoat in some opinions.

A letter written by council members Frank DiCicco and James F. Kenney stated, “It is disheartening; to say the least, that these youth so casually disrespected our residents, businesses, customers, visitors, and our police department,” the letter dated Wednesday explained of the mayhem, which was reportedly organized via text messages and other mass communication, possibly Facebook, and resulted in a rampage through the Macy’s department store at the Market East mall and a massive snowball fight. No one was injured, but at least 150 teenagers were involved and 16 arrests were made, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.

“While they certainly owe this city an apology and deserve to be punished under the fullest extent of the law, we believe that social media outlets should also bear some of the blame.” Council members Frank DiCicco and James F. Kenney, explain that this is the second such time a band of mischievous teens has formed via social media and went on to destroy property. “We believe that the lack of monitoring of these sites allows for mass, organized riots to occur.”

Hmmm…not sure I agree with the last sentence. Who is going to monitor Twitter for “flash mob tweets?” The police?? Twitter?? A new Social Media Consortium on Prevention of Organized Rioting? I realize technology is changing, but the game still remains the same—kids, when the get together in mass quantities, can end up getting into trouble—a lot of trouble. Even if only 1% of the group are the actual ‘trouble makers.” I’m sure all of us can recall moments in our teenage-angst years where we all congregated at a party, corner, park, etc. and a few bad decisions resulted in some not-so-great results. Take that memory add about 2,000 more kids to it and you’ll see the problem Philadelphia is facing.

So, what’s a city to do? What should the parents to do? Well, I don’t have all the answers. But, perhaps monitoring your child’s activity on Twitter isn’t such a bad idea? I’m not saying stalk them—but just keep an eye out for increased activity—I think we all know what that looks like (head down, type, type, type, type, laugh, type, type, type, type and then “I’m going out.”). And, obviously a few parents who were looking for warning signs, recognized them, and did something about it—this is something we as parents do on a daily basis. Curfews might help in the interim but I’m not 100% convinced this is a solution. Giving these kids positive outlets for all their pent up emotions during those confusing tween- and teen-years is the best long-term solution in my mind. But, in a city that’s going to be taxing soda to pay the bills, who is going to foot the bill for expanded after-school programs? Perhaps the courts will shine some wisdom in today’s ruling.

A few links I found interesting:

Philadelphia Weekly – Another Flash Mob

CNet – Will Philly Sue Facebook Over Teen Flash Mobs