Download ABSTRACT DISSERTATION/THESIS/RESEARCH PAPER/CREATIVE PROJECT: STUDENT: DEGREE:

ABSTRACT
DISSERTATION/THESIS/RESEARCH PAPER/CREATIVE PROJECT: Social
Media and Crisis Communication: Are organizations using social media during times of
crisis?
STUDENT: Colleen Ward
DEGREE: Master of Arts
COLLEGE: Communication, Information and Media
DATE: June, 2011
PAGES: 28
This study examines whether organizations in the state of Indiana are using social
media during times of crisis, how they are using social media and what effects they are
experiencing if they are using social media during times of crisis. A survey of over 500
public relations professionals provided evidence that organizations are in fact using social
media during crises, but not as many those that plan to use it in their next crisis.
Proffesionals answered that they were using social media to monitor the conversation
about their brand, stay in contact with stakeholders following a crisis and a small number
reported using social media to respond to a crisis. Facebook and Twitter were found to
be the most used social media tools. Social media’s ability to enhance two-way
communication and inform stakeholders quickly were the most noted effects of social
media respondents reported.