How Social Media Shapes Public Perception During Crises and Emergencies
What is Social Media?
Social media is a category of websites and apps where people share photos, videos and messages with other people. These platforms allow people to communicate with friends, family, and even strangers in the moment. Common examples of social media include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. In the U.S., these sites serve more than just a chat room; businesses use them, news stations engage with the public and even governments, tap in to communicate with citizens.
And when something significant occurs- a storm, a health crisis or political unrest — social media fills in as one method for people talking to one another, sharing news and views. This article describes, how the nature of social media shapes both in thoughts and responses during the times of crises.
Popular Social Media Platforms in the USA and Worldwide:
As of January 2025, here are some of the most popular social media platforms:
Facebook: The largest platform, with 3.65 billion active users. People use it to keep in touch, promote businesses, and share news.
YouTube: With 2.53 billion users, YouTube is where people watch videos for fun, learning, and the latest news.
Instagram: About 2 billion people use Instagram to share photos and videos, especially influencers and brands.
WhatsApp: This messaging app is used by 2 billion people. It's popular because it’s safe and lets people send messages and make calls.
TikTok: TikTok has around 1.69 billion users, especially among young people. It’s all about short, fun videos.
WeChat: Mainly used in China, WeChat has 1.37 billion users and does much more than messaging—it lets you pay bills and shop.
Telegram: With 950 million users, Telegram is known for keeping messages private and secure.
Facebook Messenger: About 931 million people use Messenger to chat with friends and family.
Snapchat: Popular with young people, Snapchat has 850 million users who share short, disappearing messages.
X (formerly Twitter): X has 590 million users and is where people get real-time news updates and talk about hot topics.
These platforms help people stay connected and share information, especially during emergencies.
Instant Information Sharing:
One of the best things about social media is how quickly it
spreads the news among mass. When something big happens, people can post
updates almost right away. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, platforms
like Twitter were vital for sharing important information about the virus,
government measures, and safety guidelines.
In emergencies like hurricanes, earthquakes cyclones or
other natural calamities, social media becomes a salvation. It keeps people
updated on what's happening in real-time. A great example is Hurricane Harvey
in 2017, when officials used Twitter to share evacuation plans and safety tips
that helped protect thousands lives.
Emotional Engagement and Public Sentiment:
Social media is such a place where people have the opportunities
to express their feelings during tough times. For example, during the Black
Lives Matter protests in 2020, people used social media to share their stories
and support the cause for racial justice. The movement grew because so many
people shared their personal experiences
When people see others online sharing the same feelings, it
makes them feel part of a group. This can lead to people working together for a
common cause for the society as a whole.
Misinformation and Its Consequences:
While social media is great for spreading information, it also has some problems. Sometimes, false information can spread quickly, causing confusion and fear. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some wrong ideas about cures and vaccines were shared on social media, making it harder to keep people safe.
Studies show that lies spread faster than the truth on social media. That’s why it’s important for governments and experts to correct false information as soon as possible.
The Role of Governments and Organizations:
Governments and organizations now use social media to help communicate with the public. By using social media to share the truth and keep people updated, they can build trust. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the government used social media to give updates about health safety measures and answer questions.
But sometimes, governments just use social media to talk at people, not with them. This can make people feel like they’re not being heard. For better communication, governments need to listen to the public and respond to their concerns.
Case Studies: Social Media in Action During Crises:
COVID-19 Pandemic:
Social media played a big part in keeping people informed about the virus and safety guidelines. But there was also a lot of false information spreading, which made things harder.
Natural Disasters:
When disasters like Hurricane Sandy happened, social media was used to send out important updates about safety and evacuation plans.
Political Crises:
During the January 6 Capitol riots in 2021, social media showed different sides of the story. It helped people see what was happening, but it also caused a lot of debate.
Protests for Racial Justice:
The Black Lives Matter protests were largely fueled by social media, where people shared their personal experiences with racism and called for change.
Wrapping It Up:
Social media plays a big role during crises, helping people get information and express their feelings. But it also has its problems, like spreading false information. Governments and organizations need to use social media wisely—sharing facts, listening to people, and being open. Social media is a powerful tool, and when used the right way, it can help people stay safe and informed during tough times.
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