Was Roanoke Tragedy A Social Media Shooting?

CHATTANOOGA,TN, (WDEF)-Laura Berrier, New Beginnings Counseling,"This is the age of narcissism or rather the age of entitlement"

Psychologist Laura Berrier believes the first person shooter video shot by Vester Flanagan shows a man with some severe mental issues.

"If they claim to be the victim in every circumstance then it enables them to get out of having any responsibility".

Flanagan’s self recorded shooting video was uploaded to his Facebook and Twitter minutes after all three victims were shot.

He then began live tweeting his manifesto and confession getting dozens of retweets from across the country.

Tennessee Community Counseling mental health experts believe this disturbing style of social media shooting could inspire others.

John Pat Fitzpatrick, Mental Health Expert,"The impression when they see so many other people getting power and attention it could spark other people to act out their anger in those ways".

Fitzpatrick added that Flanagan was attention hungry like so many other lone gun men but he had the media experience to promote his hate.

"It’s like Andy Warhol said in the 50’s everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame".

Nooga.com social media expert Chloe Morrison praised Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin for removing Flanagan’s hate filled content quickly but warned that parents need to monitor internet usage.

"There are lots of different technologies that allow you to do that, a lot of old school ways to monitor what your kids are watching, i would say it’s important to regulate internet use for younger kids anyways".

Morrison warns that forums and social media can allow people to portray false versions of themselves or hide under fake names.

For More Information:

https://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/social-networks