Last month, we saw the internet and communication websites like Facebook and Twitter take on an important role in the anti-government movement in the Middle East. This week, the internet has allowed easier communications and donations to Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. Images and videos of the event were online almost instantaneously. Also social networking sites, dominantly Twitter, Facebook and Mixi, has allowed people in Japan to communicate with each other and the people outside of the country. In many places, phone lines are down and families who got separated cannot communicate with each other. Through these networking sites, many people were able to report their situation and find their family. Also many relief agencies turned to social networking sites to turn the messages of support into donations.
I think the use of the internet is a great way to get people involved. Before, one had to go to a certain location or mail in something to make a donation or send a message. Now, that can be done from the home and it only takes a couple of seconds. But, I still see the downsides. It is reported that just two hours after the earthquake, a scam website appeared claiming to collect donations. I think this is the danger of having a quick and easy way to donate and send support. Still, I think the internet has helped get the word around and grassroots media fundraising.
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9 comments:
It's pretty great that the internet actually is being used for something other than procrastination for once. It spreads the word around easier, and the images posted can really tug at your heart strings and convince you to donate to help the relief effort.
The scamming website Ayaka brought to attention really did get me thinking though. Scamming on the internet has become such a regular thing nowadays, but when disaster strikes, humans begin to think out of impulse. It seems pretty easy (and pretty cruel) to make a quick buck off of other people's sorrow. Those of you who use Facebook are probably aware of the "text redcross to 90999" status's that have been popping up everywhere. For all you know that could have been a massive scam (it's not, don't worry). All in all, I hope the Japanese people get through this disaster okay. every little cent counts towards their recovery.
I've been quasi keeping up with this blog. I think it is a clear example of the positive side of the internet. It is reassuring to see you guys engaged and interested in current events. I think this is an awesome school project, kudos to all involved.
I think that the global reaction to the most recent natural disasters and the political unrest throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa illustrates a shift towards legitimizing and fully integrating the internet with our social lives; in contrast to being something separate, generally novel and for amusement (the internet is still young, believe it or not). By extension, the same can be said of smart phones and other mobile devices. But as with any technology, there are downsides and abuses; case in point, scam donation sites. Intentional use of technology requires attention and having our filters on "high alert," so that we are not distracted from what is important and coddled into isolated conformity by its warm glow. As a social tool, there's really no end to what is possible with the internet. You all are growing up in some interesting times!
http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
Another example of Internet playing a role in this tragedy- Google's Person Finder. (Or at least that's what I thought this was called.) Not only is it useful for information about victims, but also for making donations. We have to really appreciate the people behind these kinds of efforts.
The internet is definitely the saving grace in world tragedies and chaos such as this...it is definitely a way for the world to fully unite on the web and find out about these things...this is a good way and reason for the internet to be focusing on...something that matters for once!
I like how the internet is helping with the relief in Japan after they've been getting hurt by all these natural disasters. I see so many articles of how the internet is making people anti-social and fat. This may be true in some cases, but those articles are ignoring the fact that the internet is such a useful tool. It helps people connect with their friends and family around the world and gather information (and lies). I think it is great that these social networks are gathering money to raise money for all the victims who lost all their possessions.
I think the Internet is very useful, but also very dangerous just like you mentioned because scam websites can be claiming that they are receiving donations for this important cause, but really they are tricking people into giving them money. I just hope and pray that Japan receives as much help as possible, seeing as it needs all the help it can get at such a hard and devastating time.
@Ian
I would just like to say that I think it's very cool that an outsider is reading this blog (even if only periodically).
Hello! :)
I think that the internet was (and still is!) extremely beneficial to the Japan relief effort. First of all, the video footage of the horrendous destruction were online very quickly, as you said Ayaka. I remember that the day of and after the tsunami that that's really what most people were talking about: the videos. I believe that this ability to see such destruction and bring it right in front of us has really aided the relief effort a lot. People can witness the awful destruction that the wave caused. And even now, with all the videos and photos of the fires at the nuclear plants, the threat of nuclear disaster is ever more present in all of our minds.
Next, the use of the internet and other technology such as cell phones has helped to actually funnel money into Japan. The issue you brought up, Ayaka, of fraud websites is awful, but other organizations such as the Red Cross are making use of it. The easy step of texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Japan relief funds targets people who might think they are too busy to donate any money. I think this is a great idea of the Red Cross, which we've seen before in times like the Haitian quake, to get people to donate money in a simple, easy, and quick way. The internet and technology in general have really helped with this crisis, and for that I am grateful.
-Alice Bebbington
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