Trial By Fire and Volcano for Social Media LBS

The Eyjafjallajokul Volcano in Iceland erupted on April 17, 2010. Social media gave valuable assistance and emotional support to those effected, described by Identity Specialist’s Social Media and Volcanos. This is probably the best justification for incorporating location-based services (LBS) into social media applications I’ve seen to-date.

Horses Led to Cover after Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull Volcanic Eruption

Civil defense and emergency response is completely beyond the scope of location-based cell apps FourSquare, NearbyTweet, and GPS-driven Gowalla, yet they are a nice recourse in a situation like this! The civil authorities can do their job, while individuals help each other too.

Ash Cover After Eruption

 

 

I still have major concerns about privacy and personal safety with potential exposure due to LBS usage for social media when there is NOT a crisis or natural disaster in progress….