Over the past 15 years we have seen the Internet connect us globally during tragic events. We witnessed this during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and now, unfortunately again, in Haiti. Each time, however, we see a quicker and more powerful response as people learn to use technology in new ways.
In the case of the Haiti earthquake, one of the most phenomenal, and one might say surprising responses in the U.S., came via mobile. Less than a week after the earthquake, $20 million was raised by the Red Cross via text messaging, in $10 increments. The New York Times called it the "largest outpouring of support via mobile devices in history."
What is so interesting about this response, in addition to the incredible show of support, is that every person who took this action learned a new way to act. As Clay Shirky says in his book, Here Comes Everybody, "Once people adopt social media in an unusual situation, they are much likelier to integrate it into their everyday lives."
It's a true game changer in many ways, and it will be interesting to see how this event influences the use of mobile in the U.S.
By the way, you can still donate. Just pick up your phone, and text the word "Haiti" to 90999 (Red Cross), or 20222 (William J. Clinton Foundation) or you can text 'Yele' to 501501 (Wyclef Jean's Yele charity).
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