{"id":100,"date":"2019-03-18T09:00:10","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T09:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/starr-commonwealth-new.local\/?p=100"},"modified":"2023-11-16T10:36:48","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T15:36:48","slug":"three-benefits-of-social-media-in-times-of-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starr.org\/2019\/three-benefits-of-social-media-in-times-of-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Three Benefits of Social Media in Times of Crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Traumatic events that are in the form of natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes or flooding, and human created disasters related to disease outbreak, terrorism, gun violence and other occurrences of mass violence, can have an immense impact on mental health and vulnerability to traumatic stress. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration<\/a>-SAMHSA, 2019)<\/p>\n

The use of social media can be a valuable tool in these times of crisis for survivors, first responders, affected communities and beyond. This blog post highlights three ways social media can play a beneficial role before, during and after times of tragedy and trauma.<\/p>\n

1.\u00a0<\/strong>Broadcasting critical information:\u00a0<\/strong>Social media\u2019s communication platforms can provide announcements to help with preparation for impending events and provide warning, response, recovery and educational updates. A benefit of using social media for providing and receiving information is that the content can be communicated in real time and\u00a0\u00a0broadcasted to a broad audience quickly and easily. Social media is often used as the fastest way to inform others, such as family and loved ones, about safety status, needing help or relaying critical messages and updates. This can help decrease fear and worry, as well as empower affected individuals, communities and the public with a feeling of control amidst a situation that is often chaotic and overwhelming.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0<\/strong>Promoting resiliency<\/strong>: An important factor that creates and strengthens resiliency and the ability to recover and come back from distressing events and experiences is connection to others. A sense of belonging and community can be facilitated through social media and let survivors and affected individuals know they are not alone, they have support and there is an outlet for coping. Social media can also be vital for sustaining ongoing connection in the aftermath of trauma and loss through our personal or group networks, creating digital spaces for sharing virtual memorials, memories, images and story telling.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0<\/strong>Access to resources<\/strong>: Sites in the form of social media networks, blogs and websites offer a way to obtain and exchange information and resources in times of emergency, crisis, or disaster. Some examples of tools online include:<\/p>\n