Social media has become this generation’s main source of not only entertainment, but communication. Although it is convenient and relatively easy to send a direct message on Twitter or Snapchat, or to meet someone new online, it has also proved to be very dangerous. Twenty three year old Molly McLaren met 26 year old Joshua Stimpson on Tinder in July, 2016. Tinder is a social media dating app that links you to other individuals in your area. When asked about the popularity of this app, Lisa Mei ‘18 said, “I know people who go on Tinder as a joke when they’re bored. I’m not sure how many people go on Tinder to find actual relationships, but, personally, I would be too scared for that.” Conversely, Gabriel Regalado ‘19 said, “To me, meeting people online isn’t really more dangerous than meeting them in person. They could turn out to be crazy either way.”

McLaren and Stimpson met up for the first time in November, 2016. Four months later, McLaren decided to put an end to their relationship. Following the breakup, Stimpson posted demeaning comments and pictures of McLaren. He also began to stalk her on social media sources, such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as in person, randomly showing up at the gym she worked at. Molly McLaren had tried to go to the police for protection against Stimpson, but was let down when very little action was taken for her safety. In June, 2017, Stimpson approached McLaren at her gym again and attacked as she was leaving, stabbing her to death. After hearing about this tragedy, Tanvi Kapatral ‘18 said, “What happened to this young woman is so sad. It really shows the dangers we as women face. Even breaking up with someone can cost us our lives.” Molly McLaren was a young, beautiful, intelligent woman with a loving family and many friends. She is mourned by many.

Photo of Molly McLaren, courtesy of The Sun.