Nº5 Crowdsourcing in times of crisis
Years ago, we would listen to the radio or watch the TV to get an instant source of information about the accident.
Social media is not just a superficial world, dominated by celebrities. It is actually a really useful tool for communication in case of the crisis such as earthquakes, flooding or terror attacks. By citizen journalism, information about the accident can be easily spread and shared through many platforms, also can be directed to people who might be in the dangerous territory. By use of hashtags, it is easy to navigate and understand what is happening. It is also crucial for our own safety.
Jeff Howe was the one who created the Crowdsourcing term. It can be explained as managed, focused crowds. What’s more, “it is when the company takes a job that was once performed by employees and outsourced it in the form of an open call to a large undefined group of people generally using the internet.” (Howe, 2008) Because of the progress of the internet, we are able to create the virtual crowd. What’s more, create groups (communities) with people who share the same interest as we do, even if they are on the other side of the planet.
Ushahidi is a perfect example of the crowdsourcing.
According to Bunting, in 2008 a group of bloggers in Kenya came up with an idea to create a crowdsourcing portal to track a “fast-moving crisis”. (2011) This site allows people to create a content and updates the online map with images and important information regarding the crisis. This site adds an impact on communities of the BP oil spill, also “irregularities in the Nigerian election and Japan’s earthquake and tsunami.” (Jeffery, 2011)
Crowdsourcing in times of the biggest disasters and accidents makes a positive impact and literally saves people’s lives. It is easy to navigate and monitor of what is happening and manage these emergencies with help of volunteers, food supplies, and first aid help.
REFERENCES:
Bunting, M. 2011. Crowdsourcing put to good use in Africa. Viewed on 29th of April. Accessed at: <https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/poverty-matters/2011/may/19/crowdsourcing-good-use-in-africa>
Howe, J. 2008. Jeff Howe – Crowdsourcing. Viewed on 29th of April. Accessed at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0-UtNg3ots>
Jeffery, S. 2011.Ushahidi: crowdmapping collective that exposed Kenyan election killings. Viewed on 29th of April. Accessed at:<https://www.theguardian.com/news/blog/2011/apr/07/ushahidi-crowdmap-kenya-violence-hague>