3.6 Digital Citizenship

Jeff HouchensStudent ID: 0004636947

History of Hurrican SandyTracking the storm with digital toolsSocial Media's impact on the stormSocial Media tools usedThe negative side of social mediaA quick look at some of the false photos

Summarize digital citizenships affects

Topics of Discussion

History of Hurricane Sandy18th named storm of 2012Largest atlantic hurricane on

recordCategory 3 storm when it hit CubaCategory 2 storm when it hit

northeastAffected 24 states including entire

eastern seaboardFlooding ensued in New York

streets and subways as well as in New Jersey

Most costly storm ever with estimates at $65 billion

Source: http://bit.ly/1vPC6Jc

Prior and during the storm, digital communication made the following collaborations possible:1. The Weather Channel created a live stream on YouTube during

its coverage of the storm2. Google provided an interactive crisis map showing evacuation

routes, emergency shelters and information on possible flood surges

3. NY Times provided a HD rooftop webcam facing Manhattan so residents could view current conditions of the streets. It updated every minute

4. Social media sites provided lists of who to follow to obtain real time photos from on the ground forecasters

Source: http://bit.ly/1qUTWDV

Tracking Sandy with Digital Tools

Before, during and after the storm, government agencies used social media to communicate with the public and first responders.

The public used it for updates and to request assistanceResponse agencies used it to direct resources where needed The government, first responders and utility companies used it to:

Relay informationProvide evacuation ordersProvide updates

Social media was used to document public concerns, which in turn was used in reports sent to government officials to address

Hurricane Sandy marked a new shift in the use of social media for disasters

Source: http://bit.ly/1yPrNWP

Social Media's Positive Impact

Types of Social Media UsedFacebookTwitterTumblrYouTubeInstagram

The Negative side of Social MediaUnfortunately, not all information found through social media was credible. During the storm, several negative sides of social media became apparent:● False rumors were spread

○ CNN reported the NY Stock Exchange was flooding, but the information was initially obtained from a Twitter feed that was false. You can image the panic if it was flooded…

● False pictures were posted○ Photoshopped pictures, pictures from fictional movies, or pictures from a

different time were posted creating unneeded panic during an already stressful time

● “Newsjacking”○ Businesses tried to use the disaster as a means to sell more products

online. Source: http://usat.ly/1t2VYrc

False Photos from the Storm

Source: http://bit.ly/1wqtxUa

Digital citizenship had both positive and negative effects on the Hurricane Sandy natural disaster. On the positive side, social media played an important part in digital communications during the event. Residence were able to track the storm before it affected them and find information to help them afterwards. Government agencies were able to coordinate with each other and communicate with the public when needed.

Some individuals took advantage of the situation and used digital tools to pursue their own agendas. This impact was minimal due to others that were quickly able to find the source of the misinformation and communicate it using the same digital avenues.

Summary