One Dead in Paris after Facebook Party

As every month passes, Facebook becomes more powerful, more popular, more relevant and more a party of our daily lives. It is quite simply, one of the most powerful and effective methods of communication in our history.

It’s understandable then that Facebook can regularly make the headlines, often being criminalised for something it didn’t personally do. Much like how Grand Theft Auto will get blamed for every crime committed by anyone who has ever played it. But that’s another story.

Facebook has hit the headlines big time in France recently as a new craze sweeps the nations capital of Paris.  Dubbed “Facebook aperitif” in France, it is basically a cocktail party that gets listed as an event on the website, which gets shared between friends and that anyone can attend. Recent parties have been attended by an estimated 10,000 people each night in Paris and Montpellier.

A Facebook organised Party in the London Underground, after it was announced drinking was to be banned.

But before we can all go jumping on a flight to Paris, take a minute to morn the sad death of a young man at one such party yesterday. A 21 year old male died after sliding down a bridge railing and hitting his head whilst heavily intoxicated. It is obviously a tragic accident. A very similar thing happened to a man of the same age who went to my school not long ago so I can certainly appreciate how tragic it must be for the people involved. But already people are blaming Facebook and the parties for the death.

On the same night, authorities who got wind of the event banned the sale of alcohol but it was impossible to enforce. Fifty-seven people were hospitalized for drinking too much and 41 people were jailed. Sounds like a average night out in Cardiff to be fair. If you are flying to France anytime soon, be aware that the next party is planned for May 23rd at the Champ de Mars near the Eiffel Tower. Police have already issued warnings on Facebook claiming the party will be illegal, and are expected to be their in force