The Boston Marathon bombings and the aftermath revealed yet another wave of the evolution of social media: the unique role social networks play during a crisis. Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other forums both worked hand-in-hand with mainstream news media and served as their fiercest critic. Social media updates both helped and complicated law enforcement efforts, helping to spread both relief and panic as news developed.
For better or worse (in most cases, the results are much, much better) social media is a huge factor in emergency situations. When used responsibly and creatively, social media has the capacity to spread reliable, potentially life-saving information, to raise funds and awareness, and to keep people feeling secure in the most unstable situations. When used recklessly, however, it can make a disastrous situation even worse.
This infographic shows where things stand now in brilliant, compelling fashion. From the numbers to specific case studies, it shows social media at its best and worst in times of crisis. See how many people can potentially be reached almost instantly (it's in the billions) and what ways governments locally and federally are utilizing this ever-growing set of tools to handle emergencies.
Image source: www.emergency-management-degree.org