Social Media and Disasters

I was reminded this weekend of how our lives have been altered due to social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.). My cousin's daughter, a recent college graduate, took a job teaching in Japan.  She has been living and teaching in Fukushima, the region hit hardest by the earthquakes and where the nuclear plants in trouble are located. Shortly after the inital earthquake, she was able to send a message via Facebook to her family and friends. Since then, she has sent short messages and photos detailing her harrowing ordeal. As tough as it has been, particularly for her mom and dad, knowing that she is safe has been such a blessing. It made me think of the families of the victims of past disasters and how agonizing it must have been not to know your loved one is safe. So, for all who say social media has ruined our society, I have to say I respectfully disagree with you. Here are a few photos Stephanie sent.

Update: Stephanie got to Tokyo, finally, today. She will wait at the airport until Sunday for the flight her dad was able to get her on. She finally has heat and some water. She will be able to buy some clothes - she's been living in the same clothes since last Friday. All she was able to take with her was her passport and some papers. Still, she's glad to be alive and coming home.