Social Media Connects People Amid Chaos of Paris Attacks

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NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Before the Eiffel Tower in Paris went dark tonight and Dallas' Omni Hotel illuminated the French flag, social media did what it does best in troubling times -- connect people.

People in Paris began tweeting with the hashtag "Porte Ouverte" -- offering safety shelter to those on the streets during the chaos.

Porte Ouverte is French for open door.

Facebook put up a safety check feature to let users know whether their friends and family were safe. The social media giant also sent alerts to everyone in the Paris area and anyone who has friends there.

Additionally the Facebook page for Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical weekly newspaper whose office was attacked by terrorists in January 2015, changed their profile photo to a graphic saying Je Suis Paris, which means "I am Paris."

Facebook also sent alerts after the Nepal earthquake earlier this year.

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