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JAPAN -- Technology is bringing images of the Japan earthquake and tsunami to more people, and it's affecting them more deeply than ever before.
There are now instant images of disaster available, bringing images of misery and uncertainty from the other side of the world into people's most private spaces. That means the images are hitting closer to home than other disasters may have, for many people.
ksl.com is just one website getting constant updates of information, as well as still images and streaming video, some not seen on American television. At the Gateway mall, Chicago resident Greg Edwards said the information download of the devastation is something he thinks about a lot.
"I was totally shocked to find out the water was traveling at 485 miles per hour," he said.
Many people got their first realistic view of a tsunami back in 2004, when the coast of Indonesia was overtaken by water. The difference with the Japan disaster is that more even people have high quality cameras on cell phones. And the images are powerful.
Kyle Kryger of Salt Lake City says he has a better picture of tsunamis from watching the recent videos. "When you can get online and see more videos and more information about it, and see what people are going through, you realize how devastating it was," he said.
The quantity and quality of the video from this disaster makes it hit close to home--maybe even closer than other disasters have.
"The visual image is the most powerful communicative medium that I think exists," University of Utah communications professor Robert Avery said. "People respond to it emotionally and instantaneously."
Jill Kryger says she's deliberately avoiding the images. "Because it's tragic, it's sad. I just don't want to see that," she said. "I'm certainly not going to go surfing for it."
Communications experts say it's not your imagination, the aftermath of the Japan earthquake is hitting close to home, even from across the globe. Other disasters weren't less severe--we just know and see more about this one.
Utah regulators: Give wisely in wake of disasters
In the wake of the tragic earthquakes in Japan and New Zealand, the Utah Division of Consumer Protection is reminding Utah consumers to verify charitable organizations before making donations.
“While many of us are looking for ways to help these devastated countries and their citizens, unfortunately there are those who still seek to take advantage of our good deeds through our wallets,” said Francine Giani, executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, “We ask consumers to make sure charities are registered with the state to be sure your generous efforts truly help those in need.”
**Tips on giving:**
1. Donate to charities with a track record and a history.
2. If you have any doubt about whether you’ve made a previous pledge or a contribution, check your records. If you can’t remember making the donation or pledge, resist the pressure to give.
3. Investigate an organization before donating. Some phony charities use names, seals and logos that look or sound like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
4. Call the Utah Division of Consumer Protection at (801) 530-6601 to see whether the charity or fundraising organization has to be registered in Utah or log on to: www.consumerprotection.utah.gov.
5. Do not give cash donations. For security and tax record purposes, it is best to pay by check made payable to the charity.
6. Ask for a receipt showing the amount of your contribution.
7. Be wary of promises of guaranteed sweepstakes winnings in exchange for a contribution. You never have to give a donation to be eligible to win a sweepstakes.
Additional resources for consumers
www.guidestar.org - Guidestar
www.bbb.us/charity - Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance
www.charitynavigator.org – Charity Navigator
www.charitywatch.org - American Institute of Philanthropy
FTC public education materials in English: http://www.ftc.gov/charityfraud/
FTC public education materials in Espanol: http://www.ftc.gov/donaciones
E-mail: rpiatt@ksl.com
