By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Earthquake Underscores Value of Social Media During Emergencies
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Policy & Law > Global Healthcare > Earthquake Underscores Value of Social Media During Emergencies
Global HealthcarePublic Health

Earthquake Underscores Value of Social Media During Emergencies

jamierauscher
jamierauscher
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

Talk about timing! On August 22, 2011 the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), issued a press release about its contest for software developers to design Facebook applications which would help people communicate with friends and family after an emergency or disaster.

Talk about timing! On August 22, 2011 the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), issued a press release about its contest for software developers to design Facebook applications which would help people communicate with friends and family after an emergency or disaster. If the $10,000 first prize didn’t grab the attention of the software community maybe the 5.8 magnitude earthquake, which struck in Virginia just one day later, will. The earthquake also underscores the value of social media in such situations.

First, social media is an efficient broadcast mechanism, quickly alerting people to what is happening. Within minutes of the earthquake my Twitter stream was buzzing with reports of the quake from people located up and down the East Coast. Looking at my Facebook page I also saw numerous comments about the quake shortly after it occurred.
  
Social media is also a more reliable communication channel. During disasters cell phone lines can easily become overwhelmed with traffic, rendering them useless. The August 23 earthquake was no exception. When I tried calling my son in New Jersey I was unable to get through to his cell phone. I was not alone. Several cell phone carriers reported disruptions in service due to heavy call volume.

With the average American spending more time on social networks, it makes sense to use these channels to communicate in emergency situations. Nielsen reported that Americans spend nearly a quarter of their online time using social networks and blogs. And the Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that 52% of Facebook users and 33% of Twitter users engage with the platform daily.

More Read

What We Have to Be Thankful For
Why You Should Switch to Reusable Healthcare Supplies
Changing Behavior to Conquer Obesity
State Dental Commissions Protect Not Just Your Teeth; They Also Protect…Dentists
Having Insurance Doesn’t Always Pay: The case of the $1,700 mammogram

ASPR deserves praise for recognizing the value of social media in emergencies AND for making the development of a Facebook app a top priority. As the HHS press release notes, the first place winner will work with the government and Facebook to create an operational application within weeks of selection. I hope ASPR will expand its initiative to include other social media platforms such as Twitter too.  Unfortunately these apps won’t be available by the time the next disaster strikes the East Coast:  the impending arrival of Hurricane Irene. 

TAGGED:disaster reliefearthquakeemergencysocial media
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

contamination
Batch Failures And The Hidden Costs Of Contamination
Health Infographics
October 21, 2025
Medication Management For Seniors
Simplifying Medication Management For Seniors
Infographics Senior Care
October 21, 2025
Guide To Pursuing a Career in Nursing as a Foreigner in the USA
Collaboration Is the Prescription for Better Patient Care
Health
October 20, 2025
Epidemiological Health Benefits
Personal and Epidemiological Health Benefits of Blood Pressure Management
Health
October 13, 2025

You Might also Like

icd-10 and HIPAA
FinanceHospital AdministrationMedical RecordsPublic Health

Improve Document Security in the Face of ICD-10: A HIPAA Checklist

March 29, 2014
Image
Health ReformPublic Health

Caring For Chronic Illnesses Should Be Different

May 26, 2013
Credit: Tim Gee
BusinessNewsPolicy & LawPublic Health

4 Ways Health Care Is Different from Other Industries

February 25, 2016

Are You Providing Value to Patients?

June 12, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?