Google performed a similar task when it came to helping with the Nepal earthquake. Teaming up with the Red Cross, the two corporations complied a database with names of people in affected areas. They reported that 1,385 people were missing and 241 registered as safe. Google used their "Person Finder" and as of tonight (4/27) they were tracking about 6,300 people. The way the finder works is that a user can enter a name, biographical information, and a photo into Google's database and can identify if you're that person, are looking for that person, or if you think they are missing. After a person's name is entered, users can search online or by texting a name.
It is easy to see how both of these tools are excellent resources to use during times of disaster. Often times we (myself included) criticize social media and big corporations for distracting us from more important things going on in our lives. It is nice to see two big Internet giants using their resources and power to help people connect in times of need. Personally I love what Google and Facebook have done and I think they deserve a round of applause, but that's just my opinion. What are your thoughts?
I think you are absolutely right. I think that it is nice to see that these corporations did this. Some critics would say that the corporations were just thinking "look it brought all this good publicity to our corporation, time to make some money." Or some people may say this just shows how big these corporations are and that they rule the Internet and its content. However, I think that this was a genuine act and I am glad that they were/are able to help people find their loved ones.
ReplyDeleteI honestly would like to think that a majority of people benefit from the use of services like Facebook and Google, and that more than half (at the very least) of people in those companies are working on behalf of the users rather than the corporation's numbers. I'm sure that these social pioneers have figured out by now that being loved by the majority is the key to success. Whether or not these acts of kindness in disasters is a PR campaign or a genuine hand given for help, I think that it is simply both--helping people is at the core of their efforts because their business is dependent on the love of the people. Who's to say whether or not that is a good or bad thing?
ReplyDeleteBut I definitely think that these services that Facebook and Google provide are phenomenal. Don't they do this in any natural disaster area? I'm pretty sure I remember all of this happening during Sandy as well, and I helped create a map of Hoboken on Google Maps which indicated charging station locations (for people's electronics and such). A very small thing, but I remember it being a really cool thing that I was able to contribute to.
Corporations such as Facebook and Google are in a good position to help out, and it’s great to see these companies using their services to help people out in times of emergency. There are also a few other things worth mentioning. Google Voice has reduced the cost of calls to Nepal to 1 cent/min, and Microsoft is making all Skype calls to and out of Nepal free. Additionally, Microsoft and Google have each pledged $1 million toward recovery of the disaster. It’s good that the victims of the disaster are receiving these benefits to help in their recovery, regardless of whether or not the companies are motivated primarily by the positive press attention.
ReplyDelete