The 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan on March 11th is shaping up to be one of the world's most expensive natural catastrophes, but initiatives like the Disaster Relief on Facebook page are more focused on measuring the human reaction to the event.
Through the use of simple but effective infographics, Disaster Relief on Facebook compiled a slideshow that illustrates just how and where the social media world reacted to the news that Japan had been hit by an earthquake and a subsequent tsunami.
On the day of the earthquake alone Facebook counted over 4.5 million status updates that mentioned either "Japan," "Tsunami" or "Earthquake" and this slideshow depicts the concentration of those updates by location over ten different points in time. More than anything else, the resulting collection offers startling insight into how social networking offers users an unparalleled opportunity to connect, share and reach out to those thousands of miles away within an instant.
Social Media Crisis Infographics
Disaster Relief on Facebook Charts Japanese Tsunami Responses
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Reaction - Opportunity to measure and analyze human reactions through social media during crises.
2. Infographic Visualization - Visual representation of data offers new ways to understand and engage with information.
3. Global Connection - Social networking platforms enable instant communication and support across vast distances.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Opportunity for social media platforms to improve crisis response and support features.
2. Data Visualization - Demand for advanced infographic tools and services to present complex data in a simplified and accessible manner.
3. Disaster Relief - Innovative approaches to using social media for disaster management and response efforts.