While tragedy struck recently in Texas, many civilians found relief in very unusual ways. While Twitter and Facebook are usually pumping out the newest drama scandal, this past week has taken a more serious and social turn. Over the past several days hurricane harvey relief has been blowing up social media in the best way possible. Whether it's an informative add on how to donate to the cause, to a call for help on where people are located, these unusual social platforms have been doing some phenomenal things. We have seen people ban together though social media in the past when tragedy strikes, but never in such a high volume of which it is currently operating. People have been able to offer up where they need rescuing in real time and civilians have been able to respond by giving these desperate individuals a place to stay. Since officers were unable to respond to every 911 call in a timely manner, these volunteers that put forth their effort, time, and even homes were extremely helpful to the cause. While the awful amount of damage the hurricane has created is devastating, it is nice to see people using social media in a positive light for once.
Some social media users have even gone as far as creating a live harvey relief map. This map uses technology similar to google maps, in which people can share their location of where they need help and rescuing. Through these social platforms people have been able to get the help they need a lot quicker than they ever have before. Also those who want to help can do so in a much more efficient matter. Not only does social media help to get the word out but also when used correctly it can have a huge impact on those not even using it.
Some social media users have even gone as far as creating a live harvey relief map. This map uses technology similar to google maps, in which people can share their location of where they need help and rescuing. Through these social platforms people have been able to get the help they need a lot quicker than they ever have before. Also those who want to help can do so in a much more efficient matter. Not only does social media help to get the word out but also when used correctly it can have a huge impact on those not even using it. 
I think it's so great how social media has helped the rescue efforts after Hurricane Harvey. It's a wonderful thing to see people posting on social media that they have shelter available for those in need. It has also helped tremendously in raising funds to helps those in need. It has made more people aware of what's going on and made donating quick and simple. 100% agree with you about how good it is to see social media being used in a positive light!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love when social media is used to better the world. The power of social media is huge because you can reach millions of people in seconds. I am glad to see that people are using these platforms in a time of need for a greater purpose. Tragedy seems to bring this nation together and it is amazing to see people open their hearts and even homes to help the people affected. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSocial media usually gets such a bad rap. It can take over people's lives in such a negative way, but it has also revolutionized the way people interact and connect. It's much easier to spread important information, if needed. I agree that this is a huge advantage. Like you said, it is saving lives as it's providing people with the necessary information in order to receive the help they need. It's good to see people coming together and using available technology in order to help others in such a severe situation.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly amazing to see the power that lies behind social media! Outlets/channels like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. link so many of us and facilitate aid relief during natural disasters like Hurricane Harvey. Having grown up and lived in a part of Texas hit by the hurricane, I was on Facebook constantly, checking on friends and anxiously awaiting their "marked safe" location update. It's hard to imagine a world without this technology at our fingertips. I had no clue someone had created a Harvey relief map! Finding out about that through your blog post was super interesting and reassuring.
ReplyDeleteHaving relatives and close friends that were directly affected by Hurricane Harvey, the real time social media updates really saved me from having my eyes glued to the TV watching CNN for hours. It's incredible to see the way social media has helped Texas in a time of need. Like you mentioned, there are far greater improvements being made quicker than one could have imagined after what happened with Hurricane Katrina and social media plays a big role in that! It's unfortunate the reasoning behind such a big outburst in social media but in the end, it is bringing our nation together to help those affected.
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ReplyDeleteHaving had family go through Katrina over 10 years ago It makes me so happy that social media is being used in this way. I wish that social media had been used in this manner back when Katrina came through.
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