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Tweeting Supertyphoon Yolanda: Evolving Functions of Twitter During and After a Disaster Event

Fri, May 22, 15:00 to 16:15, Caribe Hilton, San Geronimo Ballroom B

Abstract

Abstract
When disaster events capture global attention users of Twitter form transient interest communities that disseminate information and other messages online. This paper examines content related to Yolanda/Haiyan as it hit the Philippines and grew into an international humanitarian concern. It reveals how Twitter conversations about disasters evolve over time, showing an issue attention cycle on a social media platform. The paper examines different functions of Twitter and the information hubs that drive and sustain traffic about the event. Content analysis shows that the majority of tweets contain information about the typhoon or its damage, and disaster relief activities. There are differences in types of content between the most retweeted messages and posts of the general public, with regular users being more likely to tweet emotions, messages of support, and political content compared with official sources. Key information hubs include news organizations, aid organization, and celebrities. General public users of Twitter reveal use of the site beyond information to relief coordination and response.

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