The Power of Google & Twitter for Disaster
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami
The news were flooded with the 8.9 magnitude earthquake and Tsunami in Japan on Friday. It is reported that there are at least 1700 dead bodies found. This has been the strongest earthquake Japan has ever experienced.
Everyone around the world is worried about their family and friends in Japan. With the help of Google and Twitter, they are able to get updated news about the disaster.
Google’s Actions
As a result of the disaster, Google immediately launched several tools that can be found on Google Crisis Response Page. The Page contains resources, maps, as well as updated news regarding the earthquake. Within the Response Page, Google launched a People Finder that allows people to type in the name of the person they want to find and to enter data about a person they found. The People Finder is available in four languages and currently there are around 69700 records.
Google has shown their corporate responsibility with this act. Although some may question the intention of Google’s action, it’s impressive that Google has stepped up to do so. Google, being a giant in search engine, does not need this act to gain better brand image. However, Google shows the power of search engines and how it is used to connect with people around the world.
Twitter’s Actions
When every disaster occurs, Twitter becomes the lifeline. During times of disaster, all telephone lines are either disrupted or too busy. As an alternative, people turn to Twitter to reach out to their loved ones. The most common hashtags these few days has been #prayforjapan, #japanquake, #tsunami.
Social media platforms have thus connected the world in a time of crisis, enabling information to be disseminated at almost an instant pace. And when the result is a person finding out that their loved ones are safe across the world,the value of social media becomes unquestionable. Once again, we learn to appreciate Google and social media.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, Huffington Post, Computer World, AdAge
