As the 'Disaster of the Century', the recent Kahramanmaraş earthquake showed us how social media platforms can be effective when used responsibly and efficiently. Naturally, during this process, we encountered both good and bad uses. Media organizations also began earthquake reporting from day one by channeling their human resources to the earthquake zone. As faculty members of the Uskudar University Faculty of Communication, drawing from these experiences, we prepared this guide to encourage the more accurate use of social and traditional media.
1. Let's be aware of the power of social media. Let's not forget that many lives were saved through calls for help made on social media.
2. It is important not to make or spread scientifically baseless posts, such as 'Americans caused the earthquake' or 'seers knew about the earthquake'.
3. Images related to a previous earthquake should not be shared on social media as if they are new.
4. Photos and videos shared on social media should not be manipulated with additions, subtractions, collages, or montages that distort reality.
5. Care should be taken not to use hate speech, provocative, marginalizing, or divisive expressions in social media posts and news.
6. Hashtags used to facilitate aid during the earthquake should not be used in unrelated posts to gain followers. Such posts hinder aid efforts.
7. Care should be taken to ensure that content shared on social media to guide rescue teams is accurate and up-to-date. Posts where results have been achieved should be deleted to prevent them from circulating again.
8. On social media, caution should be exercised against those who make calls for help using phishing methods by impersonating real aid organizations; social media platforms should be contacted to block these accounts as soon as they are identified.
9. On social media, sensational posts should not be made for purposes such as gaining followers or likes, which might be acceptable during normal times.
10. On social media, lynch attempts against journalists reporting in the field are frequently experienced. Such attempts should not be supported.
11. Let's not forget that sharing photos and videos of injured children or children rescued from debris on social media platforms, and turning these children into symbols, can prevent them from overcoming their trauma for life.
12. Let's be aware that fake news spreads faster, and let's refrain from sharing unverified news.
13. A careful language should be used when speaking with people waiting for their relatives to be rescued from the rubble, and morale-damaging questions such as 'How do you feel?' or 'Are you in pain?' should be avoided.
14. Sensitivity should be shown when interviewing earthquake victims and reporting news, and human emotions and values should not be overlooked.
15. When approaching people for an interview, or extending a microphone, first share your identity and inform them about your purpose for being there and wanting to speak with them.
16. Express condolences and sorrow to people who have lost relatives, but avoid using phrases like 'I understand your pain,' 'this too shall pass,' or 'everything will be alright'.
17. Be very careful when extending a microphone to people whose relatives are still under the rubble, and if possible, do not conduct these interviews during live broadcasts. Grieving individuals may inadvertently use expressions that could cause them trouble.
18. It is necessary to avoid showing images of those who lost their lives in the earthquake, especially images that show their faces. Such images can cause lasting trauma to the relatives of the deceased.
19. It should be taken into account that broadcasts related to traumatic events like earthquakes will have an impact on viewers and readers. We should not forget that traumatic images can lead to compassion fatigue in people.
20. Reducing earthquake news to mere numbers, giving casualty and injury figures almost every hour, leads to desensitization in people over time. It is important to consider that the deceased are human beings, not just statistics.
21. When reporting earthquake news, it is not appropriate to dramatize images by adding music or to turn photos into narratives. News should be information-based, not emotion-based.
22. Let's not try to make unnecessary contact with people trapped under the rubble, risking their health for the sake of reporting; let's not force those waiting to be rescued to speak to avoid causing oxygen loss.
23. Statements made outside of official announcements and reliable sources should not be trusted.
24. Images shared on social media should not be used in news reports without verification.
25. We must strive to report events objectively. The worst journalism is that which distorts the truth. This type of journalism harms both the public's right to information and the reputation of the profession.
26. We must ensure that news sources consulted are experts on the subject.
27. Journalists and social media users should avoid behaviors that could endanger themselves or others while broadcasting.
28. It has been seen repeatedly that when the media reports accurately, shortcomings are quickly rectified. We should not hesitate to report needs and malpractices in an appropriate manner.
29. It is necessary to focus not only on problems but also on solutions. By reporting on potential solutions, it is possible to provide more assistance to teams in the field.
30. During the news reporting process, rubble removal and rescue efforts should not be hindered. Care should be taken not to disrupt operations in order to broadcast live footage of life-saving efforts.
ÜSKÜDAR ÜNİVERSİTESİ FACULTY OF COMMUNICATION