It’s been almost a week since the devastating scenes in Japan which left most of us in shock, and it’s during times like these we don’t realize how powerful Social Media can be in a time of crisis. Following its influence in political events in places such as Egypt, Tunisia and Libya over the past few weeks, social media was once again used to connect people in a time of need.

With many of Japans communication systems being down since the tragedy the internet has seemed to remain untouched, allowing the people of Japan to communicate with family and loved ones who may have been affected by the earthquake.  One of the first tools to appear on the web was the Google People Finder which acts as a directory and message board so people with friends and family who are missing can look for lost loved ones and post notes saying they are safe.

Not only is Social Media being used to help people communicate it’s also being utilized to help gather support for the country, many aid organization are using Twitter to reach a wider audience including the Red Cross who have launched also launched a similar service to Google and a “Text REDCROSS” campaign, which quickly became a trending topic on Twitter following the rush of people willing to donate to help the victims.

We have also seen most of the main stream media outlets use videos, pictures and updates that have been shared across sites such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr in there breaking reports from all around the world.

Following the earthquake on Friday the U.S. embassy in Japan encouraged any of its U.S. citizens in the country to use text messages and social media sites such and Twitter and Facebook as a means to communicate and connect with family overseas.

A lot has been said about Social Media over the past few months, some of it bad, some of it good but there is no denying that in a time of need and crisis this is one of our most important assets.

Matthew Marley
360innovate