How Social Media has Helped us During Calamities

"Social media is not about the exploitation of technology but service to community." 

- Simon Mainwaring 

With social media being the world's biggest tool for communication, sharing information, and even entertainment, how did social media help families, social workers, and the government discern information during calamities?

 

Social media refers to the means of interaction among people in which they create, share, and/or exchange information and ideas in virtual communities and networks. Social media is very helpful when there is a calamity. It allows people to know what is happening and enables people from around the world to share words of wisdom and necessities (food, clothes, etc.).

Through the use of social media, families – who are affected – can contact their relatives to let them know if they’re okay or need help. Social workers also use social media to develop a better understanding of what they need to do before and after a disaster. They can utilize Facebook, YouTube, and other social media platforms to spread information and alert people to the severity of the situation. The government can also ask for help from other counties – if need to – to send aid to the affected people and communities. Through the use of social media, the government can convey information on where and when they will send relief goods to the affected areas.

The early days of social media, where we get information from newspapers, TV’s, and radios are the days where information are limited. We can’t access or find information right away. It’s hard for us to communicate with our friends or family. Nowadays, social media changes and improves. Its impact in today’s society gives us so much assistance. There are many tangible advantages to using social media, but there are also disadvantages to it. As a user, we need to be responsible when posting something on social media. 

For further information about social media, check this out:

I do not own the pictures and video posted. Credits to the right owner of the pictures and video.