There's been discussions that social media enables social isolation. To some level I agree, but in times like these, I see its amazing benefits.

The record-setting 8.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan today sent millions around the globe to social media websites to spread news, share videos and donate to help victims of the quake and the tsunami in the Pacific.

John Vinson from WebProNews writes: "In the US, we can only imagine the devastation which occurred in Japan, and continues to occur as reports roll in concerning higher death tolls and more people missing. One of the scariest factors many don’t consider when an event like this occurs is how the avenues of communication shut down.

Telephone lines are reported to be down for most of Japan, and getting a hold of loved ones is a difficult task to undertake. As reports surface, messages from Facebook and Twitter provide the latest news. Doing a bit of research shows how the human spirit can be found within the social media platforms.... read more."

Google launched the Person Finder in efforts to help reconnect people with lost or missing friends and family during the Egyptian revolution. In response to the tsunami in Japan, Google has launched the Google Crisis Center.

Aid organizations are taking great use of social media to raise money, awareness for disaster victims. This is becoming increasingly popular over the past recent years with Haiti, New Zealand, Chile, Indonesia and China earthquakes where Twitter paired up with a mobile service provider and raised about millions of dollars in about one month via $10 donations. Unlike the news and television stations who ask for donations, social media connects these charitable donations with hundreds of millions of people simultaneously and is as easy as texting a code or number. The simplicity of texting "REDCROSS" to a number gives a great sense of compassion and community to reach out and assist victims around the world.