For many people, social media is the easiest way to connect with friends and family, which is why Facebook Safety Check was recently introduced to help people stay in touch, particularly when disaster strikes. There are several standalone apps and services out there that will help to connect victims of natural disaster with family members, but as one of the largest social networks out there right now, it's significant that Facebook is expanding its horizons to include features for communicating for the purposes of safety.
When disaster strikes, the tool automatically takes note of the affected areas and prompts users to notify their friends and family members that they are safe. The Safety Check feature also shows how many other friends are in the affected area, safe or have yet to respond to Safety Check's prompts.
Disaster Check-In Tools
Facebook Safety Check Connects Disaster Victims with Loved Ones
Trend Themes
1. Social Media Connectivity - Expanding safety features on social media platforms like Facebook opens up opportunities for new tools and services that connect victims of natural disasters with their loved ones.
2. Disaster Communication Services - The rise of standalone apps and services for disaster communication presents opportunities for innovation in the field, such as improving the efficiency and accessibility of these tools.
3. Automated Safety Check-ins - The development of automated safety check-in tools, like Facebook Safety Check, creates potential for further advancements in technology that can accurately track and notify the status of individuals during disasters.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - The social media industry has the potential to develop new features and tools to enhance connectivity and safety during times of crisis.
2. Technology Services - Companies that provide disaster communication services and develop automated safety check-in tools have the opportunity to disrupt and improve the efficiency of current approaches in the industry.
3. Emergency Preparedness - The emergency preparedness industry can leverage new innovations in disaster communication to enhance their infrastructure and response capabilities.