In the wake of a massive disaster, people usually want to know two things: 1) What happened? and 2) How can I help? Social media provides a platform to answer both of these questions quickly and easily.

No longer do we have to wait for updates from traditional news outlets, rather, through social media sites, citizens are journalists. Those directly impacted by the earthquake in Haiti were able to search for information and help through social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, Skype, Flickr and YouTube. Thousands of photos taken directly from the devastation in Haiti were broadcast on social media sites 24 hours a day for several days. According to a Jan. 20 study by Pew Research, 13 percent of Americans – including 24 percent of those younger than 30 – say they have received or shared information about the Haiti earthquake through Twitter, Facebook or another social networking site.

As the lines between traditional and new media are beginning to merge, we see mainstream news organizations utilizing social networking for news and information. Nick Wrenn of CNN International Digital Services said, “We immediately moved someone supervising social media and our iReports to the Haiti desk.”

But sending and receiving news and information is not the only way social media is being used in disasters. As the devastation in Haiti unfolded in photos, videos, news articles and blogs, people couldn’t help but wonder, “How can I help?” What resulted was one of the most, if not the most successful text donation campaigns in history. Text donations set up by the American Red Cross to benefit Haiti had topped $25 million by the end of last week and most of the money has come in $10 increments. By comparison, last year only $4 million was donated to all charities by mobile texts.

During times of crisis, social media provides a platform where we can quickly discover the latest news on what is happening, and support agencies can share compelling stories to encourage donations and support. I truly believe these platforms offer a human connection that initiates caring and, more importantly, a calling to help.