Use of social media and e-Government in disasters: 2016 Louisiana floods case study

Daniel Bosch, MPA

doi:10.5055/jem.2017.0347

Authors

Daniel Bosch, MPA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2017.0347

Keywords:

social media, disaster response, natural disaster, mass media, rescue, coordinated response, e-government

Abstract

The case study analyzes the use of social media as a component of disaster response during and after the Louisiana Floods of August 2016. The study analyzes the survey responses of thirty social media users on a series of questions regarding social networks they regularly used during the flooding events, the extent to which users contacted government agencies via those networks, other uses of social media connected with the disaster, and whether social media served as a primary means of communication during cell carrier service interruptions. The results of this study show that there was a correlation between service disruption and increased use of social media as a means of communication. Additionally, the survey showed that social media networks have been utilized for a wide range of purposes during disasters, including locating family and loved ones, requesting help, disseminating information, and psychosocial interaction. Finally, a majority of respondents did not use social media to contact government agencies, and a number of respondents rated federal government engagement through social media as either dissatisfactory or were neutral on the question.

Author Biography

Daniel Bosch, MPA

LSU Public Administration Institute, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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