Skype

I’ve read about the earthquakes, the tsunamis and the other disasters and how social networks have been used to keep families and other informed about what is going on. Still, because I have been lucky enough to never know anyone in any of these catastrophes I never really understand how big of a difference they make. Until today…

This morning there was a train crash in Brussels, or actually outside of Brussels (But the initial reports in Sweden did not say so). The current numbers say that 18 people died and over 50 were injured. Because of this my phone started beeping with messages and calls from worried friends and family members who wanted to check if I was okay.

Therefore I put it in my Facebook status that everything was alright and that I was not in the crash. This was very appreciated by others who were concerned. My friends here in Brussels also did the same which gave me less to worry about.

With cell phones many might not find this necessary, but if someone of my Swedish friends did not have my Belgian number, because we mostly speak on Skype they did not have to worry, neither did those who had run out of credit on their phone and could not send me a text. For these and many other reasons the Facebook status update became invaluable.

Thus, now I really understand the importance of using social media to update my family that I’m ok!

But social media helped in other ways too, on Twitter people who were at spot of the accident uploaded pictures that people could follow to see what was going on. Most information was easily available on the hashtags #brussels and #traincrash.

Why You Always Need To Communicate Using The Tools Preferred By The Respondent

A few days ago I had a discussion with a clear Facebook opponent. Actually, she was against all social media. She argued that Facebook was only a place to share photos while I argued that I used it for communications. I guess in a way we are both right, as people tend to use Facebook very differently. Even my use has changed over time.

At one point we started discussing the value of communicating in various channels, especially comparing: Skype, Phone calls, E-Mail and Facebook mail and wall. She said that all the people worth being friend with she communicate with using the first three communication tools, and those she does not contact using this tools, she did not consider friend nor did she have any need to stay in contact with them.

As you might suspect my view was completely different. I use all those tools, and many times I prefer communicating via Facebook as opposed to mail. Primarily because on Facebook all communicating is “person to person” and by that I mean my inbox is not filled with newsletters etc, that might make me forget or lose an email from a friend. I do agree with her that my closest friends are those I communicate in voice with, but that would never mean that I would consider dropping all my other relations. I love the fact that I can stay in touch and updated with some many of the people that I meet and talk with.

So what can we learn from these differences in use of communication tools and value of them?

Basically I have realized that I might want to see the irregular use of Facebook of a friend that this person might prefer me to contact them via the normal email or via phone call. Whereas, a frequent user might love the (1) after the inbox on their Facebook account.

Thus, take the time to look at what communication tools someone is using before you contact them and you might end up with a better conversation. As you are doing it on their terms!

I asked the question: “Do you value a ”normal” mail more than a Facebook mail?” on Twitter and got these responses:

As you see there was some misunderstanding of the term “normal” mail; I should have said e-mail. But I thank @Garthy30 @tomegnome and @mveilenstein for their answers, once again showing me that this is very individual.

Which one do you value more? And how do you go about contacting someone? Which communication tool is your default?

Annelie Näs

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The Role of Social Media in The Brussels Train Crash and other Tragedies