Disaster Lights Social Media Torch

In light of the disaster in Haiti we have seen what may very well be the future, at least for now, of people lending a “helping hand” so to speak. Social Media has definitely risen to the point of ruling the way we live our lives today and it is no wonder that Social Media was many people’s first reaction to the question: “How can I help with the Haiti disaster?” People have created Facebook and Twitter pages to raise money for relief and, of course, this leaves us wondering how much of these Social Media relief groups are legit? This is cause for some alarm and, unfortunately, in spite of a true tragedy some people will take advantage in nefarious ways. On a good note, organizations such as the Red Cross have been able to raise over $4 million for the relief funds. They have used text message fund raising techniques which are very effective these days.

Then there are the celebrity messages. One that is rather funny and legit is Stiller Strong, Actor Ben Stiller’s website to raise money for the Haiti relief. Utilizing Facebook, Twitter and Share This, Stiller has started the Haitian School Initiative. This initiative seeks to help provide temporary schools for Haitians after the earthquake on January 12, 2010.

In the end, we see positive results from the use of Social Media in response to disaster. It has been called out as lazy, using the term Slacktivism to describe it. It seems more like an addition to the standard. Traditional methods of raising relief funds and helping are still in place, so it would seem Social Media is the icing on the cake, allowing people to reach out for help in ways they never could in the past.

Reference Articles, check them out:
Helping Haiti – Social media doing its part
Haiti quake relief: How technology helps