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Social Media and Mobile Texting a Major Source of Info and Aid for Earthquake in Haiti

January 15, 2010

In the wake of Tuesday’s devastating 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, much of what people around the world are learning is coming from social media sources, according to The Nielsen Company.

Preliminary analysis of data shows that Twitter posts (“micro-blogs”) are the leading source of discussion about the quake, followed by online video, blogs and other online boards/forums. While most online consumers rely on traditional media for coverage of the quake, they are turning to Twitter and blogs to share information, react to the situation and rally support. The Twitter account for the Red Cross, which on average, had been adding roughly 50-100 followers a day before the quake, has gained more than 10K followers since.  Currently, blog posts about Haiti’s quake also make up nearly 3% of all blog posts at Nielsen’s BlogPulse.com search engine.

Haiti-Sources.1.11-1.15

The substantial and rapid growth of online discussions mirrors that of the Swine Flu/H1N1 epidemic. However, in contrast with the H1N1 blog activity, online discussions around the Haiti quake picked up immediately on Tuesday when news began to spread and remains high. In the two days since the quake, news stories featuring the disaster have dominated those cited by bloggers. On Thursday, January 13th, six of the top 10 news stories focused on the earthquake, as people used social media to spread information from traditional news sources.

Mobile Relief
As organizations begin to put together relief efforts and aid, many have tapped into the large mobile universe that text messages – 136.6 million subscribers sent and received text messages in Q3 2009 – to spread the word and gather donations. As online conversations around the Red Cross’s 90999 text campaign efforts grew, the Red Cross tweeted Friday morning that donations exceeded $8 million.

90999

For press inquiries or for more information on this article contact Nielsen
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  • http://www.mymobileriver.com John

    The power of texting to generate $8 Million in donations is incredible. It demonstrates that consumers are getting more comfortable with mobile commerce and engaging with organizations through text messaging.

    Thanks for the stats.

  • Sandi Smith

    I rarely text.

  • Nancy Seger

    Thanks for the information. We were happy there was a quick way to donate. I’m the curious type, and wonder how to track the funds.

  • Connie

    I noticed that the earth quake brought everything down. There was no communication available.
    I feel so safe with my mobile phone and landline phone and how I can reach family and friends when ever I want. It sure has me wondering what would of happened here in the middle of USA if this same calamity would occure. Now I wonder how my home would stand up and if the communication towers here would still be working. People in Missouri have an underground fault line here too.

  • Patricia

    It is amazing how our communications possibilities continue to grow. We have come a long way since 2 tin cans on a string.
    I am looking forward to all the new forms of communication I sure we will be seeing in the near furture.

  • Beverly Blake

    I enjoy taking online surveys, but as far as mobile, I need hands free. It actually law in Texas now, & has been for a year in schools zones. I think for those that don’t have a pc & are in a stationary place its an outstanding way to get things out to other as soon as possible. For me however, thats not where my interest lie. The ability for others to communicate, again in a Stationary situation it Fantastic. I have seen way to may accidents on the roads from people either texting or using their mobile phone, without a blue tooth. thats the scary part of it as far as I can see. But communication skills in General have truly grown by leaps & bounds.

  • http://savethescc.com nonegiven

    I don’t know how people can type in stuff to text with the phone keys, it takes me forever to say anything

  • http://att.net grady zachery

    i do not have texting with my cell phone &, have just recently learned how to text. after i hone my texting skills i will add this feature to my phone. look out tweeting, you’re next on the list.

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