Our visit to Nepal a few years ago. Photos by Eliot Hess.
There are many people who question the impact of social media on today’s society. Some people feel it’s done more harm than good.
I’m not one of those people. I’ve seen how social media has helped the lonely become a part of a community, helped others build new relationships, re-established old ones, and come to the aid of millions in time of need.
Google and Facebook have taken major roles in helping people across the world connect after the tragedy from the Nepal earthquake. Both are offering services that connect family and friends in the United States with the people of Nepal.
Facebook has introduced the Safety Check, a feature that allows Americans to find out If their loved ones are okay. All the survivors have to do is report in. Google resurfaced its Person Finder to help locate missing family and friends. Their Internet tools work faster than traditional methods (waiting for embassies to report who survived).
It’s comforting to know that the big social networking companies have taken an active role in using their core competencies to benefit others. It’s always so rewarding to watch successful companies giveback and show us how their skill sets make all the difference in the world.
DigiDame 
The pictures are AMAZING!!