Some of the benefits of social media in an emergency
By Ohmygov.com's Alex Salta
We here at OhMyGov have long lauded the many benefits of using social media during an emergency, and recently we have even examined some of the downsides of such activity. A new infographic published on the popular AllTwitter blog visualizes just why social media has rapidly become an indispensable tool when it comes to emergency preparedness and response.
The graphic, "In Case of Emergency Use Social Media," enumerates what major government agencies can be found on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr. Discussing what makes each site important the graphic notes that Facebook can be allows "quick exchange of information by connected users and organizations" while Twitter's benefits are found in the fact that "breaking news from people at the scene are shared - often before major news outlets can cover it."
It also details the major benefits of social media in a crisis. Some of the more interesting nuggets pinpointed by the graphic include the fact that government agencies using social media can more easily respond to rumors that inevitably spread in the wake of a disaster, and that after the danger has passed information concerning aid and recovery can be more easily dispensed.
The graphic, which was designed by the folks at the Eton Corporation, is certainly worth a look for anyone interested in why social media has become a ubiquitous presence in preparation of, during, and in the wake of recent catastrophes such as Hurricane Irene and the Midwest Tornadoes.
www.ohmygov.com
By Ohmygov.com's Alex Salta
We here at OhMyGov have long lauded the many benefits of using social media during an emergency, and recently we have even examined some of the downsides of such activity. A new infographic published on the popular AllTwitter blog visualizes just why social media has rapidly become an indispensable tool when it comes to emergency preparedness and response.
The graphic, "In Case of Emergency Use Social Media," enumerates what major government agencies can be found on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr. Discussing what makes each site important the graphic notes that Facebook can be allows "quick exchange of information by connected users and organizations" while Twitter's benefits are found in the fact that "breaking news from people at the scene are shared - often before major news outlets can cover it."
It also details the major benefits of social media in a crisis. Some of the more interesting nuggets pinpointed by the graphic include the fact that government agencies using social media can more easily respond to rumors that inevitably spread in the wake of a disaster, and that after the danger has passed information concerning aid and recovery can be more easily dispensed.
The graphic, which was designed by the folks at the Eton Corporation, is certainly worth a look for anyone interested in why social media has become a ubiquitous presence in preparation of, during, and in the wake of recent catastrophes such as Hurricane Irene and the Midwest Tornadoes.
www.ohmygov.com
