Earlier this year, 33 Chilean miners were trapped 200 meters under the ground for what started as a few days and lasted 2 months. What was fascinating about the issue wasn't just the strength and bond that formed between the miners while underground, as well as the amazing spirit of the Chileans in supporting their miners, but the technology that brought it all together.
The miners were provided with internet connections to allow them to Skype with their families as well as psychologists. They were provided with phones and cameras to document their time underground. The ability to speak to others above the ground provided sanity and comfort for the miners. What's more, we were able to see and hear everything they went through underground until the moment they were rescued. For those that watched the rescue mission, as I religiously did, Twitter and Facebook were two of the best sources for updates. The majority of news sources utilized Twitter to notify followers every time a miner was rescued, so information updates were never out of reach.
New media platforms revolutionized a tragedy. Technology gave the miners a chance to connect with the outside world and maintain their sanity.
