As media in all forms erupts in the wake of last week’s attacks in Paris, it is difficult not to view the tragic events through the critical lens we are developing during our study of this modern era of rapid digital convergence.

The impact of technology on these events goes much deeper than instant news notifications and customized profile pictures. And, as we marvel at the deployment of technology to rally the good of man, we must also recognize the role these platforms and networks play in the organization and implementation of extreme agendas.

As hours moved the events from an active terrorist attack to a rescue and recovery operation, the headlines also shifted and the response of the online community became part of the story. Airbnb launched a portal offering anyone displaced by the attacks free places to stay. This, while the company was forced to cancel their Airbnb Open Conference, a gathering of more than 5,000 delegates to be held in Paris the weekend immediately following the attacks.

Facebook was on the receiving-end of some early positive press after enabling a check-in feature allowing users in and around Paris to share their safety status. One of my own Facebook friends was a beneficiary of this function and posted about it Friday night.

But, the tone across social media quickly shifted as the Facebook was criticized for not activating the feature during a previous attacks on Beirut.

On the other end of the spectrum…ISIS claimed responsibility for the brutality using messaging platform Telegram – the same platform where the organization took credit for the downing of a Russian airliner over Egypt several weeks ago. These claims followed by multiple threats of future attacks, specifically against the U.S. in Washington, D.C., via several known ISIS recruiting sites.

Gaming platforms are receiving closer scrutiny from authorities with new reports that extremists may be using the communication functions of Sony’s Playstation 4 to recruit members and plan attacks after the devices were uncovered during raids in Belgium.

And today, as Paris continues three days of mourning, headlines shift again with the news that one of the eight suspected attackers accessed Europe by embedding himself with Syrian refugees. Governors from multiple states announced bans on incoming refugees setting social media ablaze with debate on both sides of the issue.

Stunning to see how quickly the story of the Paris attacks has evolved since Friday and heavy influence of technology and digital media across so many different aspects – social, political, commercial – and from different sides. How do you think digital technology is influencing the state of affairs? Will it help bring us together or play a role in tearing us apart in these trying times?

Share your thoughts in the comments below.