What is Sidechat and how was it used during the Brown University shooting?

Sidechat is an anonymous, campus-specific message board used at US colleges. During the Brown University shooting, students used it to share real-time information and updates before and during official alerts.

When did the Brown University shooting occur?

The shooting at Brown University occurred during finals week on December 13th, as students were documenting the chaos through social media.

How did students react to the Brown University shooting?

Students reacted by immediately sharing information on Sidechat, documenting their experiences from hiding places, and seeking urgent updates on the shooter's location and safety status.

Home / Crime and Justice / Students Turned to Sidechat During Campus Shooting

Students Turned to Sidechat During Campus Shooting

9 Jan

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Summary

Students shared real-time information on Sidechat before official alerts.
Anonymous posts documented chaos from hiding spots during the shooting.
Social media became a vital tool for students during the emergency.

Students Turned to Sidechat During Campus Shooting

Students at Brown University relied heavily on the anonymous platform Sidechat for immediate information during a campus shooting, often before official alerts were issued. The platform became a crucial, albeit chaotic, real-time communication channel as the incident unfolded.

Analysis of thousands of posts revealed students sharing raw, fragmented accounts from various hiding locations, including under library tables and in classrooms. These posts formed a digital record of the unfolding events, capturing the fear and urgent need for information among the student body.

The use of Sidechat underscored how social media has become central to navigating campus emergencies. While official channels provided alerts, students actively used the platform to seek and share information, demonstrating its vital role in immediate crisis response.