SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE MODERN WORD

The ability to share photos, opinions, events, etc in real-time has transformed the way we live and, also, the way we do business. Social media has taken the world by storm through dozens of websites, mobile apps, and other forms of technologies improving the way people communicate with each other. There are social media sites that have millions of members allowing them to share photos, videos, text messages, and more on a regular basis. There are a large number of advantages and disadvantages to using such sites that leave researchers wondering if we are better off without it. The ability to share photos, opinions, events, etc in real-time has transformed the way we live and, also, the way we do business.

Through social media every family can easily communicate their relatives from other places especially those outside the country. While in social workers it can be a tool to educate them info’s during calamities. Our government  most especially can spread or disseminate information through the use of social media.

It is very obvious that social media is a big help. Do you remember the super typhoon Yolanda that hit the Tacloban, Samar, and Leyte? By using social media are able to informed other countries that we are suffering hunger, and destruction of facilities brought by Yolanda . In connection with, the countries who are  members of ASEAN, APEC, and European Union helped us in terms of financial survival. While the families of Filipinos who are living abroad used social media to communicate  their love one’s , if they are okay. Social media is a gift of modern time that is a big help if it is properly use.

DEALING WITH DISASTERS

Social media played a huge role in disaster response during the recent calamities in the Philippines. Let’s take a look at how social media was effectively used:

1. CONNECTING WITH LOVED ONES

Within 24 hours after a disaster happened, people start tagging and posting the names and pictures of missing loved ones. It was an online sounding board to keep everyone updated whether their families, relatives, or friends had survived or not.

2. NOTIFYING THE AUTHORITIES

Since the recent disasters affected huge areas and there were only a few people with minimal technical assistance during the first few days, social media filled in the information gaps.

3. ORGANIZING RELIEF EFFORTS

The best way to get information about needed assistance like C130 flights, medical help, and where to give and receive relief goods was through social media.

4. INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS

Everyone helped in keeping tabs. Reports, such as repacking the relief goods from Indonesia with a government bag or with the politicians’ seal on it, were plastered all over the internet.

5. EMPOWERING AND STRESS DEBRIEFING FOR SURVIVORS

The affected individuals were empowered because they feel that in their own way, they were able to take control of the situation they were in.

Here is also an infographic showing how social media has helped families, social workers, and the environment in discerning information during calamities.

!!! Post not ours, credits to @allaboutmarielle.

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