Word of Robin Williams’ death spread on social media faster than the frenetic pace at which the actor delivered many of his famous lines. The 63-year-old star’s reported suicide became a trending topic on Twitter, and sparked the sharing of news stories, the creation of memorial Facebook pages and the expressions of grief and support from people across the world.
“Social media is lighting up because so many people have connected with him as an entertainer,” said Carla Sofka, Ph.D., Siena College professor of social work.
Sofka has researched death and grieving, including celebrity deaths, throughout her career. She is currently researching public responses to tragedy and the impact of social media on how people cope with loss.
“People loved this man, so you’ve got total strangers grieving a celebrity because of the impact that he had on their lives,” Sofka said, adding that this process is natural because, through their connections to the characters he played, people felt like they knew Williams.
“He taught me how to curse in Ork,” said Sofka as she remembered fondly watching Williams on the sit-com “Mork and Mindy.”
While most people knew the energetic actor through his iconic roles in “Good Will Hunting,” “Dead Poets Society” and “Mrs. Doubtfire,” and his voice over work as the genie in Disney’s “Aladdin,” they are now using web sites like Facebook and Twitter to connect with Williams’ personal demons of addiction and depression.
“It gives me hope that social media is creating a socially accepting place that people can talk about difficult subjects,” Sofka said. “It provides a public forum for commonly private feelings.”
Now, through his death, Sofka said Williams has the potential to leave a legacy that stretches beyond the edges of the silver screen.
“I see this as a huge opportunity to promote awareness on mental health issues,” Sofka said.
In the hours since his death was made public, Williams has caused many people, including celebrities like actor Wil Wheaton, to raise awareness about issues like depression and suicide. Sofka said it could spark further action in Williams’ honor in what is known as “survivor advocacy.” If his story motivates people to seek the help and support they need, then it is perhaps the most important role Robin Williams could play.
