Social media takes on ‘church’ role in times of need
Christchurch Cathedral after the quake |
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.
Josh Bennett, Content Writer
@JoshAtSMF @SocialMediaF
Social media takes on ‘church’ role in times of need
Reviewed by Mili and Paul
on
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
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