Navigating the Challenges of Disaster Coverage in the Digital Age
Image created by chatGPT |
by John Fisher
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the way we consume and share information during disasters has changed drastically. Gone are the days when people relied solely on television or radio for updates during a crisis. With the rise of social media, anyone with a smartphone can become a reporter. But while this offers real-time information, it also brings challenges, especially when misinformation spreads as quickly as facts. How are we adapting to these new realities, and what are the current issues in disaster coverage that we need to address? Here are some of the current issues in media coverage of disasters proposed by students in a Public Information and Disasters class.
The Rise of Misinformation in Disaster Coverage One of the biggest issues in disaster coverage today is the spread of misinformation. During crises, people turn to social media for updates, but platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can quickly become breeding grounds for rumors and false information. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when false claims about the virus and safety measures circulated widely, confusing the public and complicating official responses. Misinformation can lead to panic, improper responses, and a lack of trust in authorities.
The Speed vs. Accuracy Dilemma Another challenge is the pressure to report information quickly, often at the expense of accuracy. In a 24-hour news cycle, media outlets race to be the first to report breaking news. Unfortunately, this rush often leads to the spread of incomplete or inaccurate information. This was especially clear during major natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires, where initial reports were sometimes based on speculation rather than verified facts. The result? Public confusion and a greater burden on emergency services to correct false narratives.
The Role of Public Information Officers (PIOs) With misinformation and the pressure for speed, Public Information Officers (PIOs) have become more critical than ever. These individuals act as the link between emergency services and the public, ensuring that accurate information is shared in a timely manner. However, PIOs face their own set of challenges, particularly in coordinating messages across sectors. Conflicting reports between government agencies, private companies, and local organizations can lead to confusion and distrust, making it harder for communities to respond effectively.
The Polarization of Media Coverage Disaster coverage has also become increasingly polarized. In some cases, media outlets tailor their reporting based on the political affiliations of their audience, particularly when it comes to issues like climate change. This bias can affect how information is presented, causing divisions in public perception. For example, extreme weather events linked to climate change may be reported differently on conservative versus liberal media outlets, leading to varied responses from different groups.
Media Literacy and Public Education One solution to the challenges in disaster coverage is improving media literacy. If the public is better equipped to identify credible sources and verify the information they receive, the impact of misinformation can be reduced. Governments, schools, and media organizations must collaborate to teach media literacy, enabling individuals to critically assess the information they encounter, particularly during a disaster.
Conclusion: Disaster coverage is more complex than ever before. As we navigate the digital landscape, it’s important to recognize the challenges of misinformation, the race for speed, and the role of public information officers. By focusing on transparency, media literacy, and collaboration across sectors, we can ensure that disaster coverage serves its primary purpose: keeping the public informed, safe, and prepared.
References:
Almotawa, T., & Aljabri, D. (2020). Role of social media in creating awareness during COVID-19 pandemic. ICEB 2020 Proceedings (Hong Kong, SAR China), 14. Retrieved from https://aisel.aisnet.org/iceb2020/14
Al-Saggaf, Y., & Simmons, P. (2015). Social media in disaster management: Cautionary tales from Australian and New Zealand emergencies. Pacific Journalism Review, 21(1), 51-66. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.24135/pjr.v21i1.121
Austin, L., Fisher Liu, B., & Jin, Y. (2019). How audiences seek out crisis information: Exploring the social-mediated crisis communication model. Journal of Applied Communication Research, 40(2), 188-207.
Bolstad, P., & Victor, D. (2024, July 24). The growing divide in media coverage of climate change. Brookings. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-growing-divide-in-media-coverage-of-climate-change/
Cinelli, M., Quattrociocchi, W., Galeazzi, A., et al. (2020). The COVID-19 social media infodemic. Scientific Reports, 10, 16598. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-73510-5
Fearn-Banks, K. (2016). Crisis communications: A casebook approach. Routledge.
Maron, D. F. (2020). Misinformation on social media is a serious threat to public health. Scientific American. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/misinformation-on-social-media-is-a-serious-threat-to-public-health
Mangones, A. (2024, March 15). Social Media in disasters. PrepareCenter. Retrieved from https://preparecenter.org/topic/social-media-disasters
Purohit, H., & Chan, J. (2018). Social media for public information and warning in disasters: Connecting research and practice. Computers in Human Behavior, 89, 1-4. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2018.08.031
Red Cross Canada. (2023, May 17). Why misinformation is dangerous, especially during disasters. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.ca/blog/2023/5/why-misinformation-is-dangerous-especially-during-disasters
Reynolds, B., & Seeger, M. W. (2005). Crisis and emergency risk communication as an integrative model. Journal of Health Communication, 10(1), 43-55.
Seeger, M. W., Sellnow, T. L., & Ulmer, R. R. (2018). Communication in times of crisis: Theories, strategies, and risks. Wiley.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. (2024). Cross-Sector Communications Response and Challenges in Times of Crisis. Panel Discussion Interview. Retrieved from https://www.uschamberfoundation.org/disasters/cross-sector-communications-responses-and-challenges-in-times-of-crisis
No comments:
Post a Comment