Never has social media played a more important role than in the disaster currently unfolding in Haiti. As the traditional channels have collapsed, the whole range of social media tools are providing a lifeline in terms of communication in and out of the country.
Twitter has become the leading channel for minute-by-minute communication and news while missing person’s lists are being posted on Facebook – the Earthquake Haiti group has over 160,000 members.
Mobile phone footage provided some of the very first and most graphic images of the devastation and loss last week and Skype is being used by media channels to help transmit reports out of the country.
As the traditional networks are repaired and get back on track, it is likely they will be totally overwhelmed as everyone tries to call into and out of the country. Social media has been and will continue to be a lifeline for Haiti and for those people scattered around the world who have direct or indirect connection with the devastated country.
From a public relations perspective, we are used to seeing these tools used on a daily basis for commercial and personal advantage. This is part of life and part of business and there is nothing wrong with this approach but it is extremely humbling to witness the value of these tools in the context of this disaster.
No-one can underestimate what a crucial part they have played and will continue to play in the months ahead. If any online cynics or ‘head in the sand’ anti-web individuals still exist or still need convincing that social media has no place in society today, then this should have persuaded them otherwise.
Dawn Strange
Accounts Director
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