The first images to emerge within minutes of our world’s most recent natural disasters, first in Haiti and now in Japan, are eyewitness photos and videos delivered to the world via social networking sites, well ahead of most cable and wire news services and public relations agencies. Eyewitness accounts delivered for the people, by the people on Internet sites like Twitter and Facebook, experiencing the destruction and devastation first hand.
But what is even more amazing is not just the delivery of the news about the damage and requests for assistance, but for Epoch 5 Public Relations, our Long Island Public Relations firm, is the exchange of valuable information and immediate response for those in need. Google, for example, is offering a Person Finder service following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Google Person Finder has previously been used to help people get in touch with old friends and family, and has now become a focal point and vital directory and message board for victims, friends, family and aid agencies unable to get in contact with or physically reach others, with meaningful information gathered in one place – a valuable solution for crisis management.
Social communications like Twitter and social networking sites like Facebook are at their best when big news is breaking. Facebook pages like Japan Earthquake formed to offer people’s outpouring of support, links and sites on how people can help.
Social media has swiftly become a lifeline in times of disaster and while many believe technology to isolate us from our fellow beings, is now unifying us as humans, helping to display our altruism and empathy for others in times of need.