Disaster Information Seeking and Sharing in the U.S. and China: Which Channels Do You Use and With Whom?

• In Event: Risk and Media

Abstract

Extending the media theories of curation and information repertoires to the disaster context, and enriching the existing frameworks of risk communication, this study analyzed the nationally representative survey data from the United States and China. It found both similarities and differences in terms of the channels and sources/contacts used for disaster information seeking and sharing, and the predictors of use of these channels in these two countries. Specifically, conventional media (newspapers, mobile apps, emails, brochures, and messaging services) and para-social media (FtF, phone calls, texting, mobile apps) were the most important channels for receiving disaster information from diverse sources as well as enabling wide sharing in the U.S. and Chinese samples, respectively. We also found the evidence showing the embeddedness of technology mediated-communication in Chinese respondents’ disaster social interactions. Among the personal factors, subjective norms were the most consistent predictor of all types of information channels in both samples.

Authors

• Chih-Hui Lai, National Chiao Tung U

• Tang Tang, Kent State University