Don't Use Twitter to say 'I'm Sorry'

The following is one of my articles published in The Daily Gamecock:

Twittering, a fast easy way of communicating with friends has enabled many to become increasingly distant from direct communication. Some have blurred the lines of what is appropriate communication on these social networking sites. Some have even taken it a step further and have insulted many by their lack of direct communication.
A sweat lodge in Arizona kills two and injures nineteen.
James Arthur Ray, a self-help counselor, was leading a counseling session in a sauna like tent when these incidences transpired. The sweat lodge is traditionally used to spiritually cleanse individuals and connect them with nature. It comes from a long-standing Native-American tradition. However, Ray was using the sweat lodge as a technique to help his supporters find wealth in different areas of their life.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, but police say that this event and many others that Ray has lead may come to a criminal prosecution.
Even after the press kept hounding for answers, Ray’s publicist would not release a statement. On Friday night, Ray voiced his condolences via a Twitter post: “I’m shocked and saddened by the tragedy occurring in Sedona. My deep heartfelt condolences to the family & friends of those who lost their lives.”
He followed up that message on Saturday: “spending the weekend in prayer and meditation for all involved in this difficult time; and I ask you to join me in doing the same.”
Since then, no further comments on the matter have surfaced, though many answers are still unanswered.
His lack of respect for the family and friends is evident in his attempts to cower behind “tweets.” Someone who is truly remorseful would not simply tweet about it and hope that those who were affected read it. In fact, if I were one of the family or friends, I would find the tweet insulting. Showing sympathy through a twitter message seems half-hearted and artificial.
Using Twitter and other social networks as an outlet to the public has become a growing trend. When is technology an appropriate outlet? Would you use an email to break up with someone or text a friend to let them know that their dog died? No, most wouldn’t. Though these scenarios are not equivalent to the deaths of two and the injuries of nineteen, the simple fact that technology isn’t always the best form of communication seems innate.
Technology has advanced to the point where direct communication seems a thing of the past. A written letter or a face- to- face conversation becomes too much of a hassle. When you can tweet your friend in thirty seconds, what is the point of dropping by her home to tell her the same information?
Technology is a blessing but with the decline in direct communication, it has become a refuge for insincere communication. Many need to realize that though it may be easier to send an email or a text, direct communication is sometimes the only appropriate form of communication.