Social Media Networks, Social Support, and Misinformation During Crisis Situations

This chapter focuses on research findings related to social media and social networks during times of crisis, specifically how social media platforms can be used to effectively provide important information and support during times of crisis as well as the negative ways in which they can influence people's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. It explores research on both the positive and the negative aspects of social media networks during crisis events. The chapter explores characteristics of online social networks on social media platforms that may influence both positive (for example, social support) and negative (for example, misinformation) forms of communication. The study of social media networks during times of crisis is an area of research that draws together a diverse pool of researchers who focus on different types of crises such as public health issues, climate change, or organizational/reputational crises.