Blog Post: How Social Media Help Us During Calamities
How Social Media Help Families...?
- It allows them to quickly and easily share information with one another and stay updated on the situation. For example, family members can use social media to share their location and status, post updates on the situation in their area, and share important information such as evacuation routes and emergency shelters. Additionally, social media can be used to connect with friends and loved ones who may be in the affected area, and to find out if they are safe. Additionally, social media can be used to access timely and accurate information from official sources such as government agencies, emergency management organizations, and news outlets.
How Social Media Help Social Workers...?
- Social workers can use social media and other online platforms to gather information and assess the needs of individuals and communities during a disaster or other crisis. Social media can also be used to disseminate information and resources to those who may be affected by the crisis, and to coordinate services and assistance. Additionally, social workers can use social media to connect with individuals who may be in distress and provide emotional support and referrals to appropriate resources.
How Social Media Help Government...?
'- It allows them to quickly disseminate information to a large number of people, and also to receive real-time updates and feedback from the public. For example, government agencies can use social media to send out alerts and warnings about a disaster, as well as to provide updates on evacuation routes and shelter locations. Additionally, social media can be used to share images and videos of the affected area, which can help emergency responders and first responders get a better understanding of the situation on the ground.
DIFFERENCE IN DISSEMINATING INFORMATION BETWEEN SOCIAL MEDIA AND OLD EQUIPMENTS USED BEFORE, DURING CALAMITIES
Social media is a relatively new way of disseminating information during calamities, while old equipment refers to more traditional methods such as radio and television. Social media offers several advantages over old equipment in discerning information during a crisis.
Speed: Social media allows for real-time updates and information sharing, whereas traditional methods may have a delay in getting information out to the public.
Reach: Social media platforms have a global reach, allowing for information to be shared with a large audience quickly.
Interactivity: Social media allows for two-way communication, enabling individuals to ask questions, provide updates, and share their experiences.
Crowdsourcing: Social media enables people to share information from different sources, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of a crisis.
Accessibility: Social media can be accessed via mobile devices, making it accessible in areas where traditional communication methods may be disrupted.
That being said, old equipment such as radios and televisions have the advantage of being more accessible in areas with limited internet connectivity. Additionally, during a crisis, social media platforms may become overloaded with information, leading to confusion and misinformation.