Haiti Earthquake Shows the Evolution of Social Media

When the Indian Ocean Tsunami hit in late 2004, slowly, video of the event started to trickle online from grainy cell phone cameras, and that was the extent of individual reports from the scene. With this week's 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, the growth and maturity of social networks are more evident. CNN (and other news organizations) have been showing footage shot in Haiti.

Youtube has created a "spotlight" section on the top of its homepage, bringing together pro and amateur reports on all facets of the disaster. Haitipal.com is streaming live audio and video information as it becomes available. And maybe most interestingly, twitter is being used both for expressions of sympathy, and fundraising. Additionally, the Red Cross and other organizations have created text codes to raise money (text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10) for relief efforts.

In just over five years, the role of mobile devices in emergencies has gone from novelty to serious reporting, fundraising, and grief-sharing tool.