Facebook in Times of Crisis

Facebook is a globally known and utilized social media platform. It is a platform that allows users to share their thoughts and images, and companies to offer ads, shopping, and data acquisition. It is ultimately a tool in which people can communicate with others, business and human alike, across the world.

Facebook heavily uses geolocation on their platform. It allows users to “check-in” at various locations, for businesses to gather data on the whereabouts of their potential audience, and for Facebook analytics. However, Facebook has developed a use for this feature for emergency services. In the event of large scale catastrophes, such as natural disasters and acts of terror, Facebook flags the users that are in proximity to the danger and prompts them to indicate themselves as “safe” online. This creates a simplified system in which family members and friends concerned for the well-being of their loved ones can have quick assurance that they are safe, and can also aid first responders in estimating how many people are unaccounted for.

Lessons for Others

Facebook’s application of tools developed for typical social media communication in real life emergency situations is a prime example of what the future of social media may look like. The tools to resolve real world problems already exist, the lesson is in their application. Businesses just need to look at this methodology and apply it to the issues that they are faced with.

If you have concerns as to the accuracy of anything posted on this site, please send your concerns to Peter Carr, Program Director, Social Media for Business Performance.

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