The Power of Social Media during a Natural Disaster

POSTED BY babs ON March 29, 2011

By: Megan Moede, Assistant Publicist

With the recent Japan earthquake crisis, the state of the public went from panic to empathy to uncertainty. Besides the devastating effects from the crisis, the situation shifts from panic for humans to (almost selfishly) panic for the stock market and the technological industry.

The strength and productivity of Tokyo’s technology and media powerhouse industries are in question. The worry has even leaked its way into SXSW panel discussions. Speakers have halted previous session topics to discuss currently what’s happening for the state of social media and technology, and how Tokyo’s crisis will inevitably affect us.

Isn’t it crazy to think that the Earth is shaking below people’s feet in Tokyo, and they are still Tweeting? That seems insane. Social media and technology has changed what a crisis truly means. Previously, people waited for days and even weeks to get full updates on the happenings of other parts of the world. Today, you can go to Twitter or YouTube or Facebook and are exposed to an infinite amount of sources of information.

The ever evolving technology and media industry is something that is unstoppable at this point, regardless of the situation. It’s comforting to think that as the generations progress, technology will increase outlets to prevent crises or provide aide. Social media has come a long way, and is a huge part of why we as a country can be a part of the relief effort for who really needs it.

Social media is instant. Social media is up to date, and constantly evolving. It’s the PR practitioner’s job to siphon out the bull crap and make sure that the best and most accurate message is being circulated around the web. Learning about social media and how it’s used from Tokyo earthquakes to the latest way Justin Bieber got his hair cut is part of a PR practitioner’s job, no matter how big or small the topic is. How you present your information through social media and technology throughout our country and even in other power houses like Tokyo requires research, persistence, and using social media and technology in an appropriate and non-saturating way.

Photo courtesy of Etsy.com

Tags: Social Media, SXSW, Twitter

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