Web 2.0 technologies like social media can potentially be useful tools for public communication during emergencies and disasters by allowing for rapid information sharing. However, they also present pitfalls like the spread of misinformation if not properly monitored and curated. The document discusses how these technologies could be applied during different phases of an emergency for preparedness, early warning, response, and recovery. It also notes challenges like ensuring accurate information and preventing commercial or other hijacking of disaster communication networks.

1. Disaster: Potentials and Pitfalls of Web 2.0 Use in Public Emergencies Peter A. Lipson, MD William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, WSU, OUWBSOM Medical and Science Blogger

3. Blogs

4. Social Networking sites (such as facebook)

7. http://www.pewinternet.org/Reports/2009/8-The-Social-Life-of-Health-Information.aspx

8. Regarding the quality of that informaion...

9. Your results may vary

11. Commercial sites often masquerade as information

12. Alternative medicine sites are very popular and helped spread misinformation during the H1N1 pandemic

14. Information can be spread rapidly

15. Information can spread via multiple independent media (cell phone, internet, etc)

16. Is there an online “ethic” of social responsibility?

18. Misinformation can be spread easily (Iran)

19. Unethical users can co-opt disaster networks for commercial or other purposes

21. Recovery

22. Mitigation

24. Concerned professionals

25. Agencies and officials

27. Ongoing conversation may mitigate apathy

28. Transparency regarding allocation of scarce medical resources

31. Staff policies to avoid free-lancing

33. Real time dissemination of information

34. Accuracy

35. Centralization?

37. Extensive reach, but targeted info; links to more information for those most affected

39. Via xkcd.com:

41. Redundancy: text, twitter via internet or phone

43. Possible solution to create link to centralized data gathering and dissemination from official agency

44. Example: Create blog post that says, “Up to date info on current disaster available at...”

46. Coordination of unconventional resources

48. My own blog network today is featuring the spill and discussion boards are discussing gathering experts.

50. Creation of robust networks

51. Asking for input as to risks, prevention strategies

52. “crowd-sourcing” prevention

53. brainstorming

56. Dissemination of specific information?

59. 550 visits to blog post

60. 165 visits from feedburner (prob. Twitter)

61. 93 from facebook

62. Rest from other sources

64. Twitter id's

65. DHS updates about 2x/wk...why bother following?

67. Creation of formal network? With “disaster response” badge?

68. Ongoing conversation online

70. Facebook

71. Science-Based Medicine

72. White Coat Underground

73. Forbes Science Business Blog