Twitter, Facebook Become Vital During Japan Earthquake

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami that shook Japan early Friday morning left more than a thousand killed and many more missing. Waves demolished buildings and transportation systems, caused electrical blackouts, and left telephone networks congested, cutting off communication between loved ones and family members.

However, with the countless updates posted on Facebook and Twitter one message was clear: Japan, you are not alone.

Through the use of social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Mixi, people all around the world were able to get instant updates on the statuses of friends and family, as well as send thoughts and prayers to those in need. A trend of Twitter hashtags such as: #prayforjapan, #japan, #japanquake and #tsunami began appearing on most social networking and microblogging sites -- some of which received thousands of tweets per second, according to Poytner.org.

"While there are so many technologies at this time that isolate us from our fellow beings, social networking tools have shown their ability once again to unify us as human beings, and to bring out what is most altruistic and empathetic in our natures,"

said Brad Shimmin, an analyst at Current Analysis.

Those involved in relief efforts also took to Twitter, posting information about everything from emergency phone lines for non-Japanese speakers to tsunami alerts, altered train schedules and lists of shelters for those left homeless, reports computerworld.com.

Kotaku.com reports CyberConnect's Hiroshi Matsuyama even used Twitter to open up his studio to strangers in need. Matsuyama said he has enough space for about 30 people and offered his beverages, food and television.

"From what I've seen today, social networks have brought out the best in people, not only encouraging them to take action but also supporting them in those efforts to bring relief to the victims of this catastrophe," Shimmin added.

This isn't the only time social networking sites have been used during times of disaster. Twitter and Facebook were also lifelines during massive earthquakes in Chile and Haiti last year.

For a list of trending hashtags and Twitter accounts featuring earthquake and tsunami coverage, check out: Poynter.org.

For different ways to get involved view our Japan Relief Guide.

Comments

[davidbutlerjr]

05:04 PM on 03/13/2011

I am from south Louisiana and I remember using MySpace to communicate with my friends and family after Hurricane Katrina when our phones wouldn't work. Social media is a great way to communicate in disaster situations. My prayers go out to those affected by the earthquake.

[tracymanner]

04:33 PM on 03/12/2011

Sure, I'm running now!

[Chuck Dick]

12:31 PM on 03/12/2011

Where's "Chili"?

[MWA1111]

12:14 PM on 03/13/2011

Right next to 'Hungry'. Don't you know your geography?

[Kringle]

10:44 AM on 03/12/2011

I think it is much more important to understand the growing utility of public "Command and Control", using multi-redundant communications platforms.

People are using the tools available to them, even though those tools weren't specifically designed for it, but we have more than sufficient technology to dedicate technology solutions to early warning and disaster relief applications for emergency situations.

Japan's response was phenomenal, but their proximity didn't give them much time to react.

[Norm]

09:44 AM on 03/12/2011

You know, I read how important social media were in Egypt, also, and weeks later read only 2-3% of Egyptians are on line. Let's be realistic, social media is best in those parts of Japan that are not in serious trouble; last I knew, every gadget needed to be plugged in at some point.

[zyxwvutsrqpo]

06:03 AM on 03/12/2011

Phones have been down. Only recently have we been able to make calls. and intermittently at that. We have been in contact using smartphones/facebook.

[victorsays]

03:36 AM on 03/12/2011

Stop advertising for twitter and facebook. I seriously doubt the japanese used that much as side for the American offering condolences.

[Storm Holloway]

01:38 AM on 03/12/2011

We get it, people use web applications to communicate with each other. This also applies to disasters. This also applies to... everything. This kind of article is instantly antiquated.

[Tom Neilson]

11:28 PM on 03/11/2011

http://www.helpjapanrecover.org

I just made a 100.00 dollar donation at this site using amazon.com

[Wendy Davis]

11:17 PM on 03/12/2011

Be sure to verify charities, through affiliations if nothing else.  Show some credentials, please.  So much aid never makes it to the victim, it's reprehensible at the time of a disaster.