Social media takes on ‘church’ role in times of need
Research has recently come to light
underlining the pivotal role social media played during, and after, the
Christchurch earthquakes.
Ekant Veer, a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at
the University of Canterbury, has discovered that social media unexpectedly
became the communal meeting place during the quakes. Veer has noted that the
people affected increasingly took to social networks for help, to provide
information and lend support. With the city undergoing such turbulent times - many
buildings became unsafe for occupation and transport links were damaged - social media took on
the role traditionally held by the community halls and churches.
The lecturer, who has revealed his
findings in the lead-up to the Australasian Natural Hazards Management
Conference, monitored a variety of social networks after the quakes and noted
his findings. Overwhelmingly, it was found that people utilised social media
for ‘immediate and timely updates’. In addition to providing practical
information, such as where to find fresh water and food, social media was
important in supporting those who were badly affected and created a great sense
of community.
Some significant players during the
quakes included Geonet and Civil Defence who tweeted regular and useful
updates. The hashtag #eqnz also came into play, helping boost the informative
element that became so significant. News channels, whilst maintaining
importance in informing the public as a whole, could not keep up with the
instant updates boasted by social media. Subsequently, the quakes have led to heavier use of the platforms and claimed many
more users.
Positive reports
In a time when social media is continuously
cropping up in negative news articles, this is something that reaffirms the
importance it can play.
The Christchurch earthquakes cannot
be viewed in isolation as social media has played a significant role in other
natural disasters. The disasters in Japan, for example, saw a huge spike in
social media usage, with users relaying their support under such hashtags as
#prayforJapan and posting ways in which others could help or donate. Similarly,
in Australia, a Facebook page was created when it was announced that the
Cyclone Yasi would hit Queensland. The page provided key updates, information
and a place for users to connect. Studies have further shown that social media
usage ‘during natural disasters is
comforting, empowering and can limit psychological damage’. Clearly, it helps
fulfil a number of functions in these times of need.
Two sides
Although
social media was cited as one of the catalysts behind the London
riots, it was proved in the aftermath how the good side overcame the evil.
Initially, social media helped gauge public opinion, showing how unpopular the
riots were, and united people and communities in combatting the situation at
hand. Facebook pages and Twitter accounts were created, along with the hashtag
#riotcleanup, sparking people into action to help their cities. In turn, this
gained many ‘likes’ and retweets, as well as receiving further exposure with
inspirational images of communities cleaning up their cities. A similar
movement occurred in Vancouver following the riots there in June 2011.
When the
dust had finally settled, social media also took on an important role in discerning
those who had been a part of the riots. The authorities were made aware of
images portraying individuals involved and those who had utilised social
networks to incite trouble. In addition, users were urged to come forward with
any information they had concerning the rioters.
Despite not
being a natural disaster, these riots similarly show the role social media can
play as becoming the ‘church’. It is evident that it helps promote the
community and allows people with no prior connections to work together for the
greater good. Furthermore, social media promotes support for individuals
affected by the events. The informative element must also not be forgotten as
users can be instantly kept up to date with significant changes and
information.
It is all too easy to criticise
social media at present, but perhaps people should look back to these events to
realise the important roles it has played. Were it not for these social
networks the essential help, information and support may have been far less
than what it was, and in no way as swift.
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