Why Do People Turn to social media in Times of Crisis?
Things we have learned in the past few decades.
As the political unrest increased in Pakistan, so did the social media activity. People turned to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, etc. to share their anger, hurt, and confusion. Things escalated so much so that the Government had to take the extreme measure of blocking these sites for a few days.
These posts tend to put fuel on the fire. They create a sense of urgency and emotionally manipulate people. Anyway, as I observed all of this happening around me, I wondered: Why do people turn to social media in times of crisis? And is this a responsible thing to do?
More and more research papers are surfacing proving that social media is making people violent and depressed. Now, this is a combination that has made me very uncomfortable and I have started thinking about these matters seriously. What are we teaching our younger generations and what is their future if we left them being manipulated by social media?
Let’s explore some of the reasons why people turn to social media in times of crisis, and some of the potential consequences of this behavior for their mental health and well-being.
It’s Time to Re-Think Reality
Social media has become an integral part of our lives. We use it to connect with friends and family, to share our thoughts and opinions, to learn new things, and to have fun. But what happens when we face a crisis, such as a natural disaster, a pandemic, a terrorist attack, or a personal tragedy? How do we use social media in those times and why?
Let’s explore how it can benefit or harm us. We can look at some examples of how social media has been used by survivors, first responders, affected communities, and the public before, during, and after crises. And discuss some of the challenges and risks of using social media in such situations and how to cope with them.
We hope that by reading this article, you will better understand how social media can influence our emotions, behaviors, and decisions in times of crisis and how to use it wisely and responsibly.
A survey by the Reboot Foundation found that more than half of people acknowledged that their social media use intensified their feelings of anxiety, depression, or loneliness. This shows how social media can have a negative impact on mental health during a crisis.
A study by researchers at San Diego State University found that rates of depression among young people have increased since about 2012, with the use of social media among teens and the amount of time spent online rising in close proximity. This shows how social media can be linked to mental health problems among young people during a crisis.
PROS
Social media can play a beneficial role in times of crisis by broadcasting critical information, promoting resiliency, and providing access to resources.
First, it can provide announcements to help with preparation for upcoming events and deliver warning, response, recovery, and educational updates. For example, Facebook has a Crisis Response tool that allows users to mark themselves safe, find or give assistance and receive information during and after a crisis.
Second, social media can also facilitate connection and support among survivors, first responders, affected communities, and the public. A sense of belonging and community can help people cope with trauma and loss. For example, social media can be used to create digital spaces for sharing virtual memorials, memories, images, and stories.
Third, it can also offer a way to obtain and exchange information and resources in times of emergency, crisis, or disaster. For example, social media can be used to raise funds, donate goods, volunteer services or coordinate relief efforts.
Therefore, social media can be a valuable tool in these times of crisis for various purposes and groups of people.
CONS
However, social media can also pose risks and challenges in times of crisis, such as spreading misinformation, increasing stress and anxiety, and exposing users to cyberbullying and harassment.
Social media can be a source of misinformation and rumors that can cause confusion, panic, and harm. For example, social media can be used to spread false or misleading information about the causes, effects, or solutions of a crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the 2020 US presidential election.
Social media can also increase stress and anxiety among users who are exposed to constant updates, graphic images, and negative emotions. For example, social media can trigger or worsen post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or loneliness among people who witness or experience traumatic events or losses.
Social media can also expose users to cyberbullying and harassment from strangers or acquaintances who may exploit their vulnerability or disagree with their views. For example, social media can be used to target, insult, threaten or humiliate people based on their identity, beliefs, or actions during a crisis.
Therefore, social media can also have a negative impact on mental health and well-being in times of crisis and users should be careful and critical of what they see and share online.
Conclusion
Social media users should be aware of these challenges and take steps to protect themselves and others from the negative effects of social media in times of crisis. We cannot avoid social media and the pros and cons that come with it, but we can use it more responsibly. It is a powerful tool and we should neither underestimate it nor let it control our emotions and thoughts.
As a starting point, let’s sit with this and think.
Sources:
Social Media Use and Adult Depression | Harvard Magazine
Research Links Heavy Facebook And Social Media Usage To Depression (forbes.com)
How to Use Social Media for Crisis Communications (hootsuite.com)
Three Benefits of Social Media in Times of Crisis - Starr Commonwealth
Advantages and disadvantages of social media in crisis communications - PRCA Asia Pacific
Impact of Social Media on Public Relations in Times of Crisis (maryville.edu)
Misinformation on social media - Statistics & Facts | Statista
Resources:
How to Deal With a Crisis of Misinformation - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
The disaster of misinformation: a review of research in social media | SpringerLink
How Journalists and Academics are Tackling the 'Misinformation' Wars - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Tackling misinformation: What researchers could do with social media data | HKS Misinformation Review (harvard.edu)