You have seen the whimsical side of flash mobs choreographed song and dance routines that people learn online then spontaneously perform at a set time and place. But there's also a dark side: flash mobs causing chaos and stores and shopping malls instantly erupting with mayhem.
When someone posts something online it can quickly spiral out of control. For people like Sonya Pearson, she says social media is helping fuel the fire.
"It's even scarier than a gang activity I think because you do have more, there are more contacts available with social media so that they can draw more friends in or whoever," said Pearson.
On Christmas Day, Shannon Webster and his children felt that sense of unease at the Edge Movie Theater in Crestwood.
"There were a lot of kids at the movies. A big crowd and growing larger and it was more than I had seen before," said Webster.
It's reported a post on Facebook about a fight drew in the crowd of teenagers. Birmingham Police Sergeant Johnny Williams says there is no proof to back up that claim. He does say kids were dropped off and began theater hopping prompting managers to shut the complex down for the night.
"I didn't know what to think except that something had happened and word was going out and people were on cell phones to get everyone there that night," said Webster.
Fox 6 contacted the manager at the theater and was directed to corporate. Our message was not returned.
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