Social Media Helping Bring People Together During Crisis in Haiti

By Jen W. RSS Thu, January 14, 2010

As more information starts flooding in from Haiti, it is amazing how connected people have become.  Browse your Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr sites and you will see what I mean. 

Twitter has something called "hash tags."  They look like this: #haiti.  Almost immediately Tuesday night this tag was created and people have been coming together online.  Anyone posting information regarding the crisis in Haiti is including this tag in their Tweets.  Check out the CNN Breaking News Twitter page for more posts.

For a quick way to browse what is going on in Web 2.0 land, check out these articles on Haiti:

The Mashable.com site tracks social network trends and is an interesting study on slow news days, but really shows off what social media is capable of during times like these. 

Not only are people sharing pictures from the ground in real time, but others are sharing lists of what is needed for the relief efforts.  These sites are an invaluable way for people to connect when they may feel most alone.

Disclaimer: The links may show live real-time comments. Browse at your own risk. 

Pictures used with permission:


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great resources - thank you
Kim - Philadelphia
Thursday, January 14, 2010

I found the CNN Breaking News Twitter page link you included very helpful reading reports "from the ground". Great blog post!
Camille T. - Free Library
Friday, January 15, 2010

Social networing sites are becomming helpful in these types of calamities now days. Good links are complied by you and can be used by individuals if they want to contribute in some way to the victims.
Shalini - Mumbia India
Thursday, January 21, 2010

That is great to see people helping each other in such a time of need.
Bill Millerton - Philadelphia
Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Nice to see that people actually care and want to help!
Jess - New York
Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Yes, indeed - let's hope that the aid gets thorugh properly.
Kelly - Orlando
Tuesday, February 9, 2010