The Transformative Power of Social Media on Emergency and Crisis Management

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Author(s): Gideon F. For-mukwai (University of Nevada, USA)
Copyright: 2012
Pages: 10
Source title: Managing Crises and Disasters with Emerging Technologies: Advancements
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Murray Jennex (San Diego State University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-0167-3.ch001

Keywords: Business Science Reference / Crisis Response and Management / Emergency & Disaster Management / Government & Law

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Abstract

There is a wind of transformation blowing across the world today. It is changing the face of emergency management and every field of human endeavor. It is called “social media”. These days, social media is redefining crisis preparedness through the increasing participation of the masses in the creation and distribution of content in ways that surpass the capacity of the mass media and public authorities. Public-generated content has been found to be useful in all phases of preparedness. Unfortunately, most public safety authorities are still suspicious of using social media in engaging and disseminating information. This paper examines this new area of transformation that is having significant consequences on public safety and public life. As the scenario unfolds, emergency managers have a tough time choosing between the mass media and social media. Metaphorically, it is a race between a ‘hippo’ (mass media) and cheetah (social media).

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The Transformative Power of Social Media on Emergency and Crisis Management

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