Following the Idaho 4 case has been interesting to say the least. 
From trying to determine what happened on that fateful morning at 1122 King Road to knowing multiple families will never be the same again and more, the case of the University of Idaho murders has captured the attention of many people. That is both in this country and outside the U.S.
With that in mind, it has been downright fascinating to see how the world of social media has reacted to this case.
As someone who uses social media for both work and personal pursuits, I’ve been nothing short of amazed of the reaction on social networking to this case.
First and foremost, I think we all feel a tremendous amount of sympathy for the families of Kaylee Goncalves, Maddie Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. No parent or other family member should have to go through what these four families have been put through. I make it a point to mention the names of the victims often in my posts so that in fact they are never forgotten.
Yes, I have no doubt many of these family members and even friends of the deceased go on social sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, You Tube and so on. Some likely more frequently than others. What they can be subjected to in chat groups dedicated to the case can be downright awful at times. We all want answers and most notably the families want and deserve answers.
In being in several Facebook chat groups and seeing some of the other chatter online about this case, I’m both inspired and appalled at times.
I’m inspired that so many people have taken interest in the case and more importantly showed such tremendous love overall towards the families.
On the flip side of the coin, I’m appalled at times by how some people are treated on social media. Specifically, those that even dare suggest something other than the police narrative of the individual in custody stalked one or more of the women in the home and acted out because he could not have them.
If we are being honest and even applying some commonsense, only a few people know what exactly happened at 1122 King Road on Nov. 13 of last year somewhere in the time frame of 4-4:25 a.m.
To say these tragic murders may be due to something other than the police narrative is acceptable and even normal, especially when information being released to the public has been so limited. That does not mean that anyone in that home alive or deceased is/were terrible people. And certainly none of the four victims by any means deserved what happened to them.
Social media and this case in particular at times brings out the worst in people.
Sadly, I feel at times like I’ve been transported back to junior high school and the cliques are running the show in the world of social media. Either tow the company line and think like everyone else or be ostracized.
News flash, you have every right to voice your opinion and beliefs, share theories that the main group of people think are outlandish, and not be ashamed of those thoughts. Doesn’t mean you are right, but you can and should be heard. People looking down on you because you may not share the same thoughts as others are the ones with the problem and not you.
So, should you already be on social media talking about this case or look to do so for the first time, stand your ground.
If someone says you’re nuts for thinking a certain way, just smile, don’t give them the time of day, move along.
Sometimes ignoring such people is more upsetting to their childish egos than if you confront them head on.
DavidAlanThomas 