Social media applications are used extensively in many fields from communication to consumption, from entertainment to education. Thanks to the increasing number of social media applications, individuals meet many of their needs through these applications. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aysun Kaya Deniz from Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Radio, Television, and Cinema Department remarked that social media has turned into a tool of solidarity and assistance in the earthquake disaster in Kahramanmaraş.
Support posts for local producers
Almost everyone could not return to their daily life before the earthquake after the earthquake disaster that took place 2 months ago and Turkish people were devastated. After this disaster, there were also changes in the content of social media applications. Calls for help were made by tagging non-governmental organizations through individual accounts, particularly social media influencers. In social media, where there is no time and place limit, individuals can communicate very quickly. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aysun Kaya Deniz: “In the disaster process, social media has turned into a tool of solidarity and assistance. After this sad earthquake disaster, social media applications were developed in a short time so that earthquake victims who migrated from their hometowns to other provinces could easily find shelter. In addition, there are also posts on social media to support the local producers who lost their homes and workplaces in the earthquake zone with the support activities for the local producer.’’
“It is possible to say that various social media applications have emerged to be life-saving in another possible disaster”
The power of social media in every field where it is used is increasing day by day. Asst. Prof. Dr. Deniz stated the following: “As a result of this devastating disaster process, it is possible to say that various social media applications have emerged to save lives in another possible disaster. It is a fact that excessive use of social media applications can negatively affect the daily lives of individuals. Social media applications, where appropriate use is important, provided support to many calls for help made during the disaster process in a fast and short time.”
