Social Networking Use During Disasters Being Studied
Researchers from the University of Western Sydney (UWS) have announced plans to study how social media can be used to convey information in the wake of natural disasters and other catastrophes.
Communications expert Dr. Gwyneth Howell, psychologist Dr. Mel Taylor and psychiatrist Professor Beverley Raphael will be conducting face-to-face interviews and compiling online surveys from those impacted by recent catastrophic events, including the Christchurch earthquakes in New Zealand and the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The goal, according to a university press release, is "to gauge how the public requested and received valuable information from both traditional and social media" while helping authorities to "better understand how to utilize social media in times of crisis."
"During an emergency many people will use Facebook or Twitter to get up-to date information, just as many people will go to the council or police websites to know what’s happening and what to do," Dr. Howell of the UWS School of Communication Arts said in a statement.
In an interview with AFP, she said that the project was inspired by what she called a "beautiful display of humanity" on Facebook during these recent events. In particular, she notes that social network users demonstrated a "sense of real community" by setting up Facebook sites in order to help those affected by flooding in Queensland earlier this year.
"That was the thing that struck me… this beautiful display of humanity and generosity and a sense of ‘I don’t know you but I want to be able to help’," she told the French news agency. "If that’s what Facebook is providing and social media is providing people with in times of terrible anguish, I think it’s a fantastic resource."
According to the UWS press release, the researchers are encouraging anyone who has used Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking resources for humanitarian purposes during recent disasters to fill out the online survey.
They are reportedly looking for anyone directly affected by the disaster, as well as those who expressed concern for friends or family members in affected areas.
"This survey aims to understand how information is being sought, provided, and used in emergencies," Howell said. "Those involved with emergency communications need to understand what people want and how to provide that in the best possible way."
"Our study enables those who used social media in recent emergency and disaster events to provide this feedback." she added. "Hopefully this data will improve the quality of information provided in future events."
—
On the Net: