Social media can be a positive thing. It can help family stay connected, help old friends re-connect, and even introduce new friends. However, for all of the positives, social media can also be taken too far, and end up having quite a negative impact.
For example, it could lead to literally be addicted to one's smart phone, or even worse, social media could be used as a final "broadcast" for some that choose to take their own life.
As RT reports, a 19 year old girl was recording herself on live video-streaming app Periscope when she threw herself under a train at the Egly station, about 25 miles south of Paris.
Around 1,000 viewers watched as the girl said "What's about to happen will be very shocking, but I'm not doing it for the hype, I am doing it to send a message", which prompted users to respond with such comments as "we're waiting", and "give us a hint."
Eventually during the video, the screen went dark, and an emergency worker could be overheard saying "I am under the train with the victim; I need to move the victim." The girl had in fact had broadcast to the public the moment she took her own life. RT also goes on to say that the girl sent a text message to one of her close friends several minutes before her death, announcing her intentions.
Local prosecutor Eric Lallement said that the incident is being investigated, as the girl allegedly spoke of rape and named the aggressor during the video as well.
Unfortunately, this of course isn't the first incident that has been broadcast on social media platform. Last month, an 18 year old Ohio woman was arrested for streaming video on Periscope of her friend being raped. Another incident that was live streamed was an attack by two teens on a drunken 24 year old man in Bordeaux, France - both teens were arrested.
Sadly, these terrible events are a stark reminder that social media can indeed be taken too far.