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Election of 2008
This was one of the first big elections that utilized social media in a large way in order to spread election information and push for certain votes. Obama us social media for get-out-the-vote campaigns and to gather supporters together. This trend then extended over to the 2012 and 2016 elections. -
Haiti Earthquake
A huge earthquake struck Haiti and surrounding nations devastating much of the cities and population. Through social media, news was spread rapidly to spread awareness and get help to those people as quickly as possible. This also started one of the biggest text to donate movement ever all to aid this effected area. -
Japan Tsunami
Much like the Haiti earthquake, Japan was hit by a large tsunami that wrecked the coast cities of Japan. Millions used social media to get updates on their friends and family members effected as well as to receive news on the nuclear power plant that was largely effected. The Red Cross also uses social media well in order to gather volunteers for help in such scenarios. -
Chicago Tribune Layoffs
In 2013, The Chicago Tribune decided to layoff all of their full time photographers and solely use freelance photographers from online. The internet and social media showed that picture work and needed images could very easily be obtained by other less expensive means while in some cases getting better pictures to work with. -
ALS Challenge
In 2014 a challenge emerged on social media where participants selected were challenged to either donate to a charity to help Lou Gehrig's disease or dump a bucket of ice water on their heads. Thanks to social media they raised more than $115 million in donations. This primarily spread through Twitter, Instagram and Facebook sparking a trend everyone wanted to be a part of.