From Radio Silence to Real-Time Rescue: How Social Media Transformed Disaster Response
For generations, news of calamities traveled at the speed of broadcast media: television, radio, and newspapers. Families anxiously awaited updates, social workers relied on limited official channels, and governments struggled to disseminate information effectively. But the digital age, ushered in by the rise of social media, has fundamentally changed the landscape of disaster response. While traditional media still plays a vital role, social media has emerged as a powerful tool for families, social workers, and governments alike, offering unprecedented access to information during times of crisis.