Third Blog (Twitter Emergency)

Millions of people are now on the social media website Twitter. This booming website is used for people to update their friends and family on what is going on in their life. However the site just added a new feature that can change how Twitter is used for many. Twitter Alerts is a new service offered that allows Government agencies to send emergency notifications to users that sign up for the service. The feature is aimed to be used to inform people of natural disasters and crisis. The inspiration for this was the ability that Twitter had to inform millions of people about the Boston bombings and Hurricane Sandy. Understandably anyone would question the need for this service saying why couldn't they just turn on the news. And that is exactly why this service will be so helpful because it will be for people who can't just turn on the news as they are out and just have their phones with them. It makes for a safer spread of instructions during tornadoes, hurricanes, etc. This way people will be able to take cover and take the necessary steps to stay safe before it is too late. The reason this is related to social justice is that for this case digital media is being positively used for social justice in informing citizens of emergency situations. This also shows the entanglement that social media is having in our lives. The fact that it was at first thought of as a fun way to keep in touch with friends and is now being viewed as a resource to for safety. It is just interesting how much the world is changing, so long amber alerts, welcome Twitter Alerts.