Social media in disseminating information for families, social workers, and government agencies
One of the most significant shifts in recent generations is the evolution of the internet, which allows people across the globe to communicate and connect regardless of distance. This transformation has fundamentally changed the way information is distributed and shared.
In the past, families relied on limited sources for calamity updates. Television, radio, and print newspapers served as the primary channels of information, delivering official reports in a one-way flow from broadcasters to the public.
This often resulted in slower dissemination, with news reaching communities hours or even days after an event occurred.
Moreover, citizens had little to no immediate means to interact with the information or share their own experiences during emergencies.
In today’s generation, social media has largely replaced traditional methods of information sharing by providing instant, real-time updates through platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. During calamities, citizens can report conditions, share photos and videos, and offer eyewitness accounts, creating a vast, distributed network of information.
Unlike traditional media, social media enables two-way communication—families can check on loved ones, social workers can coordinate relief efforts, and government agencies can issue targeted warnings and instructions.
The constant flow of updates allows families to receive alerts quickly, confirm the safety of relatives, and access localized information on safe zones or evacuation routes. Social workers can track public sentiment, identify urgent needs, and allocate resources more effectively, while government agencies can monitor disaster progression, direct emergency services, and counter misinformation with official updates. Although social media carries the risk of spreading false information, it also facilitates rapid fact-checking and the correction of rumors by both authorities and the public.
In conclusion, Social media provides real-time, crowd-sourced information during calamities, enabling families to connect, verify details, and aiding social workers and government agencies in rapid response and dissemination of updates. This contrasts with traditional methods, where information was primarily delivered through television, radio, or print materials such as newspapers.
