How Important Was Online Social Networking Sites During The Haitian Disaster?

http://mimbari.livejournal.com/

January 15-2010:

How Important Was Online Social Networking Sites During
The Haitian Disaster?

I watched a discussion on france.com today, about this concern. So here are a few comments of mine in this regard.

When the earthquake disaster hit Haiti, immediately afterwards, those with had access to mobile phones, and the Internet sent photos and messages to relatives and friends outside Haiti. But this was shortlived, and a communication blackout resulted, because of land line's disruptions, and the destruction of other local media outlets.

So Haitians living in the USA & Europe that had access to the Internet, used this facility to continue asking questions, and sharing whatever information they were able to get from Haiti and elsewhere with each other. And this kept the conversation going. And it also helped in raising funds for some charities they felt could be of assistance therein.

Was Twitter & Facebook Really Important?

Yes and No. If you do not have an Internet connection, and is not connected to Facebook, Twitter or MySpace, and have not joined any of these networks. Chances are, you will not be as informed, as those who are already a part of the networking sites.

But it is unfair to say that these networking sites did not make a difference. Because not many people in Haiti, are connected online, or have a computer, an Internet connection, or was able to use it during the Earthquake disaster.

However, the traditional TV and Radio media, is dependable for credible information in most cases. But even these medium are also subject to blackouts, and power failures in any disaster where electricity is needed, in order to have telephone and Internet access.

Derryck.
NYC.