I often find myself complaining about soooo much new technology and advances and iPad 4 or whatever and all these new gadgets that everyone needs, yet they fared perfectly fine with their non-smart phones. I also rant whenever Facebook has another facelift and changes everything from viewing photos to how you can post things on friends' walls. However, I recently gained a new appreciation for new technology, Facebook specifically, due to the Las Conchas fire burning so close to my hometown. 11 years ago with the Cerro Grande fire, the only ways we had for communicating with others around town and for out-of-town family getting in touch with us to make sure we were okay were phones and face-to-face. Yes, there was Internet then, and instant messaging, but nothing like Facebook.
I couldn't help noticing the last week and a half how much Facebook has changed the way we keep in touch...okay, that's the understatement of the decade I'm sure, but specifically, how it has changed the way a community communicates in times of crisis. Sure there was plenty of emotional support and mutual feelings of loss and sadness and hope during the Cerro Grande, along with much volunteer work, but I observed and was amazed by how quickly and effectively the community came together via Facebook, how quickly news spread and updates were given, and how much support has been shared through this network. Out-of-town friends and family could know what was happening immediately, people could know where their friends and family were going upon evacuation, how close the fire has come to different locations...but mostly how community members came together to share grief, fear, and hope on a wide and large scale. A simple status like "We need more lunches made for the firefighters" brings countless volunteers; pages are created to show support and gratitude for the firefighters, police officers, and national guard, and to keep community members updated on the status of the fire.
Facebook can't stop the fire or protect the town or mountains, but it can sure change relationships throughout and among Los Alamos and other surrounding communities for the better.
