For the majority of us living in this technological age, we don't think twice about picking up our cellphones and sending a text to one of our friends. This form of instantaneous communication allows us to coordinate a meeting, have a conversation, and get our questions answered. But in the aftermath of Haitian earthquake that took place on January 12th this technology is allowing the victims in need to send a message of help. Once the earthquake struck many of the Haitian cell towers went down, making phone calls nearly impossible. But it was soon discovered that text messages, which require much less bandwidth than phone calls, could still be sent and received. With this knowledge, Haitian cellphone companies along with other aide groups sent out a massive text telling victims to send a message to a certain number for help. Thousands of messages began to be received by the aide groups from people buried in rubble, in desperate need of medical attention, or seeking evacuation. These messages make the aide process much easier and effective, allowing volunteers to pinpoint those who they need to help. I have always been one that has found peoples' reliance on text messaging a cause for concern - allowing people to forget the importance of face-to-face conversation - but it is definitely comforting to see that there is an extreme good that can come from it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/world/americas/21text.html?ref=technology
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9 comments:
I think this is a great thing, to do, but it does feed into our american have it now, consolidate everything, make life easier for me lifestyle. But at least this is for good.
I agree that face-to-face conversation is normally the most powerful and effective type of communication but there are some instances where face-to-face is just not possible. When you are trying to send a quick, short message, texting is prefect. I have read a couple of communication books that say "text messaging should not include information that is overly important," but in this case, a case that was overly important, it helped to save lives. While you definitely wouldn't want to propose or break up with someone via text message, we shouln't rule it out as a way to communicate important information.
That is awesome! I am all for texting and I am glad there is something good coming from it. :) I absolutely hate talking on the phone, it is annoying. I like text messaging better. I personally don't even need to call people. All I need is text messaging.
That is awesome! I am all for texting and I am glad there is something good coming from it. :) I absolutely hate talking on the phone, it is annoying. I like text messaging better. I personally don't even need to call people. All I need is text messaging.
I agree with the closing statement that the importance that text messaging has taken on recently is concerning in terms of how people are socially interacting. However, I think that it is great that text messaging is serving a greater purpose in the Haiti relief efforts. It is not something that I would have originally thought of to use in disaster situations but it is a good idea!!!!
It's hard to say bad things about text-messaging when you see in real-life situations that it can be used as a life-saving tool. Also interesting was how text-messaging was used to raise funds to aide the victims in Haiti. Although many may believe text-messaging is not an effective mode of communication, try telling that to those in Haiti who survived because of texting.
I knew that victims were sending out text messages, but I didnt know that there was actually a system set up for it. It is very cool when people discover new ways to use technology in ways that are very beneficial. I think the same goes for the text donation collections that were going on for Haiti. I have never heard of that before this disaster and I am sure that the increased convenience of donating raised a lot of money.
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Blogger Hilary Kingman said...
I have had personal experience with this kind of situation. After and earthquake in my city (not a serious one), phone calls were nearly impossible but i was able to text my family to make sure they were okay.
Again, it doesn't compare to what the victims in Haiti are going through, but I think that it's comforting to know that something like texting can be put to use in times of need.
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