Since pop legend Michael Jackson died in Los Angeles of cardiac arrest on June 25 (L.A. time), there has been a flood of messages, blog posts and comments on the internet, and Facebook was no exception.

Just minutes after the first wave of rumors of Jackson's death, Facebook users all over the world posted messages and swapped information from television broadcasts and online news sites, trying to confirm the report. "Is it true that MJ is dead?", users would ask.

Minutes later, they got a chilling answer: Jackson had died. He was 50. He suffered cardiac arrest and paramedics were unable to revive him. Users would post links to TMZ, an American entertainment site, CNN, major wires agencies, or local news websites.

Once word spread that their idol had indeed died of cardiac arrest, there was a ripple of emotions throughout the social networking community. A user named Mary Anne from the Philippines exclaimed: "Oh no, right after Farrah [Fawcett!]"

Other die-hard fans made sentimental remarks. One user, Illac Diaz, said he "laid out all of his five Michael Jackson concert tickets (Manila, Rome, Turin, Paris, London) and memorabilia and brought out his obsolete CD/tape casette recorder to play his tape collection to go through the albums the whole day.

"He will be remembered dearly in the ... household."

Illac adds: "'Man in the Mirror' [one of Jackson's songs] is playing. How many times did I have those words when the obstacles looked almost impossible."

Tribute

Posts would become users' personal tributes about how much Jackson meant to them. Lyrics of Jackson hits, personal poems, and anecdotes would be posted, shared, and "liked" (which in Facebook means a small thumb's up for someone else's thoughts).

A Facebook group called "RIP Michael Jackson" was also formed following the music legend's death so that users could "Pay Tribute" to the fallen idol by scribbling words of support or sympathy. As of press time, it has generated over 27,339 tributes from users all over the world.

Michael Jackson music videos and interviews were uploaded, shared, and discussed within social networks or personal groups. Others, like a user named Rose Cheryl, created a poll titled "What are your favorite Michael Jackson songs?"

The outpouring of emotions over Jackson's death is so strong that even posts totally unrelated to Michael Jackson got a "King of Pop" twist.

One user excitedly shared the news of having successfully moved to a new house. The user's friend had this answer: "Congratulations for moving house!!! Maybe I'll join you and mourn Michael's death..."

Day of deaths

Sometimes, Jackson's death would be treated much like losing a close friend. A user named JP said: "In the span of a week, four deaths of people who helped shape my life passed... [a] friend and classmate from Grade 1 to high school... [a] senior colleague in media; Michael Jackson, who sang the anthems of my generation; and Farrah Fawcett Majors, who filled our coming of age with much joy."

Others became existential, but hopeful. "[I'm] reflecting on the death [of] Michael Jackson and probably [my] favorite Angel Farrah Faucet (sic). Life is short... Live it right," said a user named Greg.

A user named Charo mused on her two idols' abrupt passing, saying they  "will wander this earth because they have unfinished business--for MJ, his comeback and to polish his tarnished name and image; for [Farrah], her wedding and her son to clean up his act."

Even media practitioners like Carlos Conde, photojournalists Luis Liwanag and Michael Alquin chimed in on the Michael mania by recounting memories of friends who were "in love" with Jackson, posting strips of Jackson's lyrics, or simple epithets like "The Thriller is Dead."

Facebook users like Atty. Theodore Te of the Free Legal Assistance Group, meanwhile, worried over the possibility that the hype over Michael Jackson's would eclipse other issues. He reminded users that June 24 (Friday) is the 3rd anniversary of the of Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, both students of the University of the Philippines. They are believed to have been abducted by the military because they were identified with a "leftist" organization.

According to an online blog post, meanwhile, Conde reportedly chafed at remarks like this saying it was possible to "mourn and remember at the same time."

Much like Facebook, Twitter noted that Jackson-related "Tweets" is the top trend for the day, overtaking the volume of posts about the conflict in Iran.

A testament to his influence and impact on generations of fans and supporters through the years, it comes as no surprise that Jackson's will make the headlines all over the world. With a report from CNN