Social Media Use of Higher Education Students in the Earthquake Disaster

Authors : Fatma Topuz Eryürük, Ferhan Odabaşı, Hasan Eryürük

Pages : 37-44

Doi:10.53478/yuksekogretim.1312375

View : 105 | Download : 84

Publication Date : 2024-08-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In Türkiye, where access to technology has been increasing, the use of social media has increased accordingly among higher education students. Communicating, having quick access to current news, and having social interaction independent of time and place are among the reasons why social media is preferred. Social media is also preferred in disaster situations that have recently become the most urgent concerns on agenda in Türkiye. Investigating the use of social media in disaster situations, this study used purposive sampling and obtained data from semi-structured interviews conducted with a group of university students. The data were analyzed using a descriptive analysis method. Interviews with 10 university students, five female and five male, aged between 18-24, were conducted online, which were recorded and then analyzed. The study investigated the reasons for the preference for using social media in a disaster situation, with its positive and negative aspects. Based on the findings, it was concluded that social media is preferred more frequently than traditional media in disaster situations since it is perceived to help make disaster victims’ lives easier.
Keywords : Türkiye, Kahramanmaraş Depremleri, Sosyal Medya, Yükseköğretim Öğrencileri