This year like every other year mother nature speaks to us in ways that are unimaginable. In essence she disrupts the everyday lifestyles of many across the world. Over the last few months Haiti, China and most recently Iceland are feeling and will continue to feel the affects of these natural disasters. My posts divulge the psychographics of netizens- the lifestyles of these demographics; but what happens when our lifestyles unexpectedly change, does the Internet play a significant role, if so how?
My decision to post on this topic has come about as one reoccurring communication tool has become ever present during these natural disasters - the Internet.
In the past we received information about these disasters on the radio, on TV or even via word of mouth, but increasingly our knowledge of these occurrences happen right in the palm of our hand. But where are the images coming from? Well, it's coming from those affected, those living in the moment or as CNN considers them "i-reporters". A recent Associated Press report notes that Facebook and Twitter have played a big role in helping Haiti - the first images were Tweeted by a citizen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnyRwPZzaqA&feature=related
Our blog seeks to find out who uses the Internet - but I think it is clearly obvious we all use this 24hour mode of communication. Websites target children to the elderly, teeny boppers to businessmen and women, businesses to consumers. We use it for the same reasons and while at the same time we use it for different reasons. I believe that because the Internet's reach is so broad those in critical situations have realised it's power in time of need.
Do you think the use of the Internet through mobile technology really assists those affected?
References:
Twitter, Facebook Play Big Role in Helping Haiti. Retrieved April 18th 2010 from, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnyRwPZzaqA&feature=related
Haiti Earthquake mobile. Retrieved April 19th, 2010 from, http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://inapcache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/haiti_01_18/h33_21756295.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.aeromental.net/2010/01/19/haiti-70-earthquake-2010-extreme-photos-a-week-later-200000-dead/&usg=__AYDFs81ZD6GsKxQL-4_wY6fR4dY=&h=660&w=990&sz=278&hl=en&start=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=QnFRdwbIV39DsM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dchina%2Bearthquake%2B2010%2Bmobile%2Bphone%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26tbs%3Disch:1
Kellisa
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