Abstract:

The experiences of individuals after natural disasters are effective in bringing geographical issues such as earthquake awareness, disaster awareness, etc. to the agenda of Türkiye. Although it is unfavorable for our country, social media plays an important role in creating awareness in the society about natural disasters experienced. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of social media posts in creating earthquake awareness through geographical concepts, topics and experts. Using secondary data sets, the study analyzed the data through Tweets obtained from Twitter, posts of subject matter experts and documents published by the Republic of Turkey Directorate of Communication. The Tweet data were analyzed using descriptive statistical technique. In addition, the documents published by the Directorate of Communication were analyzed using document analysis technique and evaluations were made about the false geographical information spread during the earthquake. According to the results of the study, one month after the earthquake, there was a significant increase in Twitter shares of geographical concepts and interactions of earthquake experts. In addition, it was also found that asparagus news spread on social media due to lack of geographical awareness led to disinformation problems. These results confirm the need to increase geographical awareness in the society and to give more emphasis to the geography course in the education.

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