THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN THE LIFE OF COMMUNITIES, ESPE-CIALLY IN DEALING WITH UNEXPECTED EVENTS

Abstract

The importance of social media is increasing in media consumption. Using social media has not only positive effects but it creates some threats/risks too. In order to use social media as an effective tool in a secure way, we have to get to know them better. This study’s goal is to present social media as a new and increasingly important tool for communities in dealing with planned or unexpected events.

The author examines three main areas in this article:

– Definition of social media, forms and platforms of social media. Why should we study social media?

– What purpose can serve social media. in the life of communities?

– What role can play social media in dealing with unexpected events?

Social media is the mass of online applications built on web 2.0’s technological and ideological foundations.

Social media has several areas for communities, institutions of communities to use:

– strengthening communication, more efficient comm.;

– as a part of PR building and maintaining image;

– attracting tourists;

– attracting investors;

– increasing the involvement of the citizens as stakeholders;

– a cost-efficient way to contact citizens;

– raising the awareness in important topics such as health or organizing defense against flood;

Recent events like the hurricane Sandy or the terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon proved that social media can be used exceptionally effectively dealing with unexpected events for example: communicating with communities regarding defending critical infrastructures. Using social media has some risks too, so in order to avoid those risks it is necessary to know it well.