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Could social networking websites save lives in a national crisis?

Monday 11 October 2010

Websites could be used to warn people of danger

Pioneering new research aims to uncover how social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook could save lives in the event of a national crisis such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster.

Professor John Preston from the University of East London, is leading a team of academics in a two-year study, which will, amongst other areas, explore whether the emergency services can utilise the popularity of social networking sites to stage mass evacuations more effectively.

Three English cities – London, Birmingham and Carlisle - are being used as ‘case-studies’ for the project, which was launched this week.

Professor Preston, who is based at UEL’s Cass School of Education, said: “We want to find out how those responsible for co-ordinating warning and response mechanisms in the event of man-made or natural disasters can harness the incredible power of sites such as Twitter and Facebook as well as mobile communications.

"We are working on the premise that, as technological advances continue, the traditional mediums of television and radio may become usurped in their potency in terms of delivering important messages to society at large."

"Our experience of recent incidents shows that in emergencies people are communicating, receiving, and imparting information through a variety of other methods, such as mobile phones and computers.

“For example, social networking sites were used to spread messages about the Haiti Earthquake and the Gulf Oil disaster. Social networking sites often spread messages about disasters such as floods more quickly than official warnings.

"It is only prudent we examine how this development can be used for the benefit of those on the ground."

Professor Preston, who is the project Principal Investigator, will head a team of researchers and co-investigators from the Universities of Warwick, Manchester, Oxford, Lancaster and Sheffield.

The work is being funded by a £900,000 grant from the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC). The EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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