your facebook status: the modern telegram

People all over the world update their statuses everyday. They share everything from what the weather is like, to just getting dumped, the paper they don't feel like writing.. some share less lame things like how they're about to go bungee jumping or hop on a plane to mexico... Usually, I can take it or leave it.

But, something truly facebook-amazing has happened in the past week following the disaster(s) in Japan. All week as I logged onto facebook, friends' statuses popped up in my minifeed updating me about the impact this disaster has had on them- whether they were in Japan or had family there. One said, "i have never seen buildings rock back and forth before. i was stuck on the 7th floor gripping a shaking wall as a big lady held onto me praying and crying. 3 hour walk to get home. i'm safe and sound. x"

Within just one day of the crisis, some 4.5 million status updates mentioned the words 'Japan,' 'tsunami,' or 'earthquake.' Status updates were among some of the first tools people used to get in contact with loved ones.

Additionally, Google launched the Person Finder, containing information regarding some 250,000 people -so far- who were caught up in the quake.

Google.org spokesperson, Jamie Yood, was quoted saying:

"This is by far the biggest response we’ve seen yet, there are several resources that are absolutely critical in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, including food, water, medicines, sanitation and so on, alongside these, information and communication are vital resources too. We think it's fair to say that, in disaster areas, technology can help save lives."

Thankfully, Japan's internet infrastructure has not been damaged by nature's attack.

For a look at how the message spread, check out these maps Facebook has shared based on statuses containing the words 'japan,' tsunami,' and 'earthquake.'