Social network site, a citizen’s mouthpiece in time of crisis - The study of Facebook use in Thailand floods 2011

Abstract

A social network site such as Facebook has rapidly gained popularity among internet users in recent years. This technology has extended the capabilities of the Internet and turns it into a highly interactive communication space where individuals can produce and distribute information as well as express opinions and experiences to others. This study highlights the use of Facebook in time of crisis by focusing on communication via Facebook during Thailand floods 2011. In this thesis, the researcher aims to identify the reasons for Facebook use during Thailand floods using online semi-structured interviews with the people who experienced the disaster. Further, the thesis describes and analyzes the patterns of communication on Facebook related to this crisis and the role of Facebook in this context by analyzing the Wall posts related to Thailand floods using Activity Based Communication analysis. Findings indicate that Facebook functioned as a citizen’s mouthpiece during the floods in Thailand last year. Ordinary people used Facebook to communicate with the public, offer and ask for help, broadcast their views on certain issues and to disclose suspicious activity in the society. Furthermore, the study reveals that information generated by citizens shared on Facebook is relatively specific, accurate, updated and easier to comprehend compared with the messages sent from the authorities or mainstream media.