While social media has been the target of much criticism in recent years for its involvement in spreading hate and disinformation, it does still offer upsides as a medium for distributing critical information after an emergency, with roughly 70% of Americans turning to it during disasters. However, a new study from the University of Central Florida finds it’s not only useful as a means of communicating for individuals, but that it also can be a powerful means of gathering real time information to assist in disaster response.
Driven by work performed by Claire Connolly Knox, Associate Professor of Public Administration, 23 Florida counties and their use of social media during Hurricane Irma were considered in the study. After Action Reports were also examined, with group sessions being held as well to gain more detailed information. Says Knox, a key finding of the study was that “While 95% of the counties who used social media discussed it in positive terms in the AARs and focus group discussions, less than half of the counties engaged in two-way communication, or pulled information for situational awareness or rumor management.”
While the report also produced a list of challenges and opportunities for the use of social media in terms of engagement with the community during disasters, the most critical finding was related to the timing of sharing, with people being much more interested in looking for information ahead of a disaster, rather than afterward.
Source:
