High-Tech Help: 5 Ways to Support Earthquake Relief With Social Media, Texting

March 12, 2011 -- Within minutes of Japan's earthquake this week, social media spread news of the devastation far and wide.

But now that relief efforts are getting under way, social media is stepping up to play another key role: helping the world support the rebuilding.

Whether it's through gaming or texting, tweeting or Facebooking, social media start-ups are working with non-profit organizations to help raise money for the cause.

If you're looking for high-tech ways to support earthquake relief efforts in Japan, take a look below.

To find other ways to help, click here.

To help victims of Japan's record-breaking earthquake, Chicago-based Groupon has turned its attention from deals to donations.

In addition to its daily deals in thousands of cities around the world, Groupon introduced an online offer Friday evening to let customers donate $5, $10 or $25 to support humanitarian aid group International Medical Corps' emergency relief efforts in Japan and other areas affected by the earthquake.

Since the deal went live Friday, the company said it has already generated $16,000 in donations.

Groupon also issued a tongue-in-cheek warning to its customers: ""Buyers beware," when you click "Buy" to donate your time or money to a worthwhile G-Team cause, the only discount you may receive is 100% off free, priceless karma."

If you're a social media addict, you can use your tweets and Facebook posts to raise money for Japan with HelpAttack.

Launched last year, the Austin, Texas-based start-up lets users pledge money for every action they take online. Similar to pledge models associated with marathons, in which runners raise money with every mile they run, HelpAttack lets users pledge an amount of money for every tweet and Facebook post they make.

You choose the amount of money you want to pledge with each post (as little as 10 cents or as much as $10 or more) and at the end of a 30-day cycle, your credit card gets charged with the amount you raised.

HelpAttack is partnering with the Red Cross, so if you want to support that orgnization's earthquake relief efforts, visit HelpAttack.com/pledgeto/redcross.