Like any newsworthy story in the last few years, Hurricane Sandy provided plenty of fodder for social media. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, storm-centric jokes, hopes, fears, rumors, and reports were not in short supply over the last week. In fact, Instagram's CEO, Kevin Systrom, said that “Sandy was the single largest event captured on Instagram — and the largest event captured on cellphones ever.”

Unfortunately, when Sandy subsided, it seems that a series of 'hurricane hoax photos' received disproportionate attention from mainstream news sources. On November 1st, a Chicago Tribune headline chided, "Think you're anonymous online and your words don't matter? Think again". A day earlier, USA Today reported, "Hurricane Sandy shows dark side of social media."

While it's true that a few mischievous members of the Internet community spread false information about Sandy, including a few absurd photos, that shouldn't be the final word. With tens of thousands of people left homeless and hundreds of thousands still waiting for their power to come back on, it seems that now the overwhelming movement on social media is towards relief.

New York City resident Emmett Shine has been using Facebook to post photos (also, above) of a devastated Rockaway Beach and to call for volunteers. "We got a van, sixteen people, and just showed up not knowing what to do. The Rockaway Beach Surf Club on 87th and Beach Street was the makeshift headquarters. If you can go, please go and help out. The area is DEVASTATED." Brooklyn-based actor Don Fanelli took to Twitter to call for donations. "If you can't get out here to donate, let me know what you want to contribute, and I will donate in your honor. List." Thousands of other individuals and organizations are also showing support through social media.

When tragedy strikes, there's never a shortage of negatives to focus on, but don't forget about those who are helping out. And of course, please contribute if you're in the position to do so. Just check your favorite social media outlet for opportunities, or you can always donate to the Red Cross.