When an 8.9 magnitude earthquake hit Japan on March 11, a massive tsunami wiped out the majority of the country’s phone lines, radio signals, cellular connection and electricity.

Ten years ago, survivors would have been left in a so-called “information void” for hours, not knowing what events were unfolding around them.

The Internet has changed all of that. We now have the ability to call on social media, the only resource that provides a forum for conversation and real-time updates, while not being limited by a battery or time zones.

In less than an hour after the quake, the Tweet-O-Meter recorded almost 1,200 tweets per minute from people in Tokyo, instantly reacting and seeking information.

The American Forces Network in Japan launched a Facebook page within only a few hours, with uploaded video and pictures taken during the quake and of the aftermath and destruction.

Almost instantly, people in Japan and the States used social media to reach out and connect with the friends and family in hopes of finding their whereabouts.

Social media sites and online services not only provided relief updates, but shared live video feeds, live news blogs, and gave people across the globe a place to voice their concerns, prayers and sympathy for the tsunami victims.

Resourceful as ever, Google launched “Person Finder,” a web app that by the late afternoon contained more than 7,000 records available for families searching for their loved ones.

Red Cross responded similarly with their website called “Family Links,” which allows survivors to make their whereabouts and conditions known.

Not many could have imagined the catastrophic event that happened in Japan – or the meaningful impact simple things like Twitter and Facebook could have in the wake of such a horrific disaster.