Social media is already an extension of our real world.  Sometimes, what we boast and discuss over social networking sites are simple truths that we cannot say out loud in our non-virtual lives. But with its popularity engulfing planet earth, social media’s influence is, by now, immeasurable.  And any attention borne out of a public outpouring could be surprisingly great, or heartbreakingly wicked.

In the absence of regular means of broadcast communication, Mexicans take a chance on Twitter and social media to condemn drug cartels and people behind the rampant substance abuse and trade in the country.  And, just when everyone thought that exercising their liberty of expression and speech in the virtual world would not be used against them, the world was shocked into reality when two bodies of murdered victims were found hanging on a pedestrian bridge.

CNN reports the horrific act of violence and noted the threatening placard near the bodies that reads: “This is going to happen to all of those posting funny things on the Internet. You better (expletive) pay attention. I’m about to get you.”

This is not the first time that social media was involved in violent happenings.  Just recently, it was accused of fanning flames in the London riots that saw ferocity in almost every corner of the metropolis.  Authorities in London were pushed to the limit and eventually ordered the complete shutdown of social media in the UK capital as these powerful web platforms were used to encourage more public outbursts.

Two Mexicans suffering ill fates of their own are still being tried for spreading terror on Twitter that caused road accidents and panic in a Mexican town.  They now face 30 years in jail.

This gruesome incident is an indication of the vast influence that social media gobbles in today’s realm.  Even outlaws fear its power, leading to this terrifying scene in Mexico of offenders trying to silence whoever is blatantly denouncing their actions and criminal offenses within social platforms.  Seems like violence is pooling victims from the virtual sphere and bloggers are the ones being attacked.  This is such an unfortunate event that reminds us that whatever we publicly write or publish in our favorite social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are free for all to devour.  So when you make your opinion public, even in an environment you think provides you a degree of anonymity, there’s always a chance that things could go in one extreme direction or another.

Pinpointing social media as the one thing that triggered this episode is of no use.  It is just an avenue where people air their thoughts and take a stand on political and social issues. Using this to trace opponents is another story.  If criminals have levelled-up their game, then maybe it is high time for authorities to beef up their tactics too.