Abstract:

Risk management has an important role in risk communication. Nowadays, there is a need for effective use of mass media with the effect of social media. In this respect, social media is one of the most easily manageable communication tools that provide rapid access to society. Timely, actionable and reliable channels of information are vital, especially in situations of high fear and uncertainty. An open and flexible approach to communication is required in order to establish information flow and high transparency in emergency situations. The aim of the research is to examine how AFAD handles its communication strategy in terms of risk management through social media accounts within the scope of the epidemic we live in today’s conditions and the earthquake disasters that occurred in the same period. The study consists of tweets shared by AFAD between March 11, 2020 and December 31, 2020 on Twitter. The obtained data were analyzed by content analysis method. The message contents of the institution are grouped as information in the risk communication process, preventive message, emergency and improvement. The examined tweets; earthquake, meteorology, accident-poisoning-fire-explosion, Covid-19, aid activities, activities, international recognition studies, memorial-special day-holiday messages. In this context, risk communication techniques AFAD uses according to the subject contents have been examined. As a result, it can be said that AFAD's effective use of social media tools simultaneously in the context of risk communication has an important effect on eliminating the anxiety and uncertainty experienced by the society during crisis processes.

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