What Happens When Outrage Spawns “Digital Lynch Mob”

Dr. Walter James Palmer may be on America’s Most Wanted list after killing Cecil, one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved, and protected, lions. The killing has sparked outrage over trophy killing and sent the Minnesota dentist underground. His office, River Bluff Dental, has been closed. Plush animals are piling up outside the front door and his employees have apparently been sent home.

As of today 137,648 signatures appear on a petition delivered to the White House. It calls for Secretary of State John Kerry and Attorney General Loretta Lynch to extradite Palmer to Zimbabwe to face justice.

While anger may be understood, the online fury and mob mentality it has sparked is equally ugly. Mashable writer Chris Taylor addresses the dangers of unleashing this kind of public rage in his opinion piece.