Social media proved to be a key search-and-rescue tool in Houston this weekend. Identifying those who needed to be evacuated, connecting families, and recruiting volunteers are just a few ways sites like Twitter and Facebook were used.
Here are other ways social media has been used in a crisis:
- Facebook's Safety Check was used for the first time in the U.S. during the Pulse nightclub shooting.
- Instagram was used during Harvey by people posting offers for shelter, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
- A Google doc was made in response to the Boston Marathon bombing, where hundreds of people posted their information, offering food, shelter, and transportation.
- Twitter was used to post addresses of those still stuck in their homes during Harvey.
- Snapchat's Snap Maps allowed people around the country to view in real time what was happening in Houston.
- Facebook has used CrowdTangle in Hurricane Irma to help newsrooms monitor local news outlets, Facebook Groups, and more in a live feed.