Social Media Misinformation in Disaster Situations: A Case of 2018 Kerala Flood

Authors

  • Kumar V Gireesh Research Scholar, School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, India
  • Dineshan Koovakkai Research Guide, School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala 686560, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/

Keywords:

Social Media, Misinformation, Disaster Situations, Kerala Flood, Mobile Penetration

Abstract

The study explores the pattern of spreading misinformation during disaster situations. The 2018 flood of  Kerala is taken as a case for the study. The data was collected through online questionnaires from a sample of 100 victims of the flood which occurred in Kerala in 2018. The analysis of data is done with 88  responses received. The study reveals that WhatsApp ranked first through which people spread  misinformation during the Kerala flood. The possibility of further disaster is the matter mostly  communicated through social media without correctness and authenticity of information. The  misinformation was spread greatly during the time of rescue operations. As there was no proper  preventive measures and due to the panic among people, the misinformation spread faster during the  disaster. Misinformation through social media during the flood in Kerala created great amount of fear  and anxiety among the people.  

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References

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Published

2019-12-20

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 2 (2019): Library Progress (International) (Jul-Dec) 2019

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Social Media Misinformation in Disaster Situations: A Case of 2018 Kerala Flood . (2019). Library Progress (International), 39(2), 289–296. https://doi.org/10.48165/