Saturday, March 27, 2010

Missing persons? -->social media!

Can social media really help in a missing persons case? Yes! And more people are turning to social media when this tragic event occurs.

There are multiple organizations where their primary focus is to find missing persons. Many of these organizations have created an online presence through the use of social media. For example, Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension currently has a Facebook fan page. They submit posts relating to missing persons and safety tips. When BCA posts information on a missing person, the information will appear in members news feeds. This is such a beneficial way to send out information. There is a lot of controversy on the page, but that is expected when dealing with children and loved ones missing.

Amber Alerts also has a Facebook fan page along with Facebook applications. Amber Alerts have established a reputation on the television and radio but social media is where it is at today. They are sending the message out with the hope of gaining leads.

Not only are established organizations creating Facebook pages, but so are people. The families that have lost a loved one are turning to social media to do the research on their own. For example, when Brittanee Drexel went missing a Facebook page was created. There is over 19,000 members on the page currently. People post their condolences to the family and friends. They also will make posts relating to how much they miss her and wishes of her to come home. Some people will post information on other unsolved missing persons cases. And there is also information and tips on how to protect yourself.

Social media is the best way to reach your audience. And when it comes to heartbreaking cases like a missing person, social media is a favorable outlet to turn to.

--Abby Sessock

Monday, March 22, 2010

Developing Social Network: Foursquare




We all knew Myspace.
Then were introduced to Facebook.
More recently, Twitter came into our lives.


Now, the next social network is here. Foursquare is a location-based social networking game/website/phone application. According to the co-founder Dennis Crowley's personal website, it is service that mixes social, locative and gaming elements to encourage people explore the cities in which they live. (See YouTube clip below!!)


The idea is that users can “check in” to locations using a phone app (iPhone, Blackberry, Android, Palm), sending a text message to ‘50500’, or accessing the website on their mobile browser. The application uses GPS to locate venues near you to check in at. The user can see where their friends are, and the location of the venue. A venue can be anything from an airport, to a bar, to a gym. Users unlock points and badges as they go out and about. Users are able to feed their Foursquare activity through their Twitter or Facebook pages. 







Foursquare is obviously the most popular in bigger cities, and started in 2009 with limited availability in only 100 worldwide metro areas. They are growing at incredible speeds, and have gained a following in the past few months. In January 2010, Foursquare changed their location model to allow check-ins from any location worldwide. As of March 2010, the service had 500,000 users internationally. In the past two weeks alone, they had 100,000 new users (including myself).


Here are some screenshots of the Foursquare app:




This form of social network is fast and new. So, go ahead, "check in"!

Caitlin Brown
http://myamericanjetset.blogspot.com/