Cnet Article
The biggest Typhoon recorded to this date hit the Philippines a couple of days ago. According to New York Times- homes, city centers, and farms were crushed and tens of thousands of people are missing or presumed dead. The way Google showed effort to help people find loved ones, they launched several tools like the Typhoon Yolanda Crisis Page which helps survivors and emergency responders gather and relay information in the aftermath of the catastrophe. There is also the Google person finder which is an app that lets people post and search for the status of family and friends who were on ground when the typhoon hit. How this is works is by the person can click on " "I'm Looking for Someone" and type in the person's name; or they can click "I have information about someone" and type in any names or details. This app is also available on mobile phones by letting people text message the word "search" and the missing person's name. Another tool is Google's Typhoon Yolanda Relief Map which is a detailed and extensive map which shows the hardest hit areas along with updates on shelters, hospitals, police stations and much more. This isn't the first time that Google has done this type of work, they have also helped during Hurricane Issac and Sandy, Earthquake that hit Japan in 2011, and also the massive earthquake that hit Chile in 2010.
What are your thoughts on Google's effort and do you think it is effective?
I think that what Google is doing is exciting. It is a new kind of technology to help benefit people, which I am assuming is Google's goal in the end. However, I can see some problems with this. Although, it would be great if you could find out information from so far away so quickly, but unfortunately some people will abuse this app. They can put false information (like many people do online) instead of the truth.
ReplyDeleteI think Google is yet again proving why they are one of the most innovative businesses in the world. They are using advanced technology to help people who have just been involved in a catastrophe. As you mentioned, this is not the first time Google has done something like this, as they used it with Hurricane Sandy and the hurricanes in Japan and Chile. I think it will be effective for the most part, although I could see the "I'm looking for someone" feature to possibly have some issues. In the end, it is another great effort by Google.
ReplyDeleteI think what Google has done is great. It allows people to find out more information about a natural disaster. To be able to find information about a loved one who is in a different country can bring a lot of peace to those who otherwise would not be able to hear from their loved ones. I think Google aiding in the effort to help clean up after a natural disaster in their own little way. I think it shows that Google cares about connecting people during a natural disaster too.
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