Social media during a disaster: Guidelines to accurate and useful information sharing

In an era where information is spread within seconds, social media platforms play a crucial role during disasters. It can save lives, protect communities, and support emergency responses – if used responsibly.

In the same way that social media is powerful, it can also make users prone to mistakes. Rumors, false information, and harm can greatly affect a situation. Responsible posting on social media requires balancing urgency with accuracy and empathy. 

The following guidance will help you share information that makes an impact that is positive rather than negative.

Ensure authenticity

The first rule is verification. Before you share a post, photo, video, or link, ask yourself: where did this come from? Always prefer official sources such as established newsrooms, government sites, and verified users. If your information is from a second party, always find a second source to support that information. Time may have a cost, but a mistake could cost even more. If you come across unconfirmed information, label it as such or completely avoid sharing it. 

Verification includes basic cross checks: exploring image searches for particular photos, timestamps for videos, and whether multiple sources are sharing the same information. Sharing incorrect facts could put people in a state of panic and drive them to greater risk. 

Be aware of what you’re posting

Not every eyewitness detail, image, or video should be shared. Take into consideration how the content affects the people directly involved. Avoid posting graphic photos, grieving individuals, or identifiable victims. Such posts could retraumatise survivors, violate privacy, and interfere with search and rescue operations.

Think also about the secondary harms. Posting speculations about who or what is responsible for the disaster, unconfirmed casualty numbers, or over exaggerated language could increase tensions. 

Your responsibility is to inform – not to sensationalise.

Emphasis on needs

When you post, prioritise practical, verified information that meets immediate needs: evacuation routes, shelter locations, emergency contact numbers, official donation channels, and verified news from authorities. Short, clear posts which highlight the time, location, and source are far more valuable than emotional paragraphs.

If your reposts call for help from others, try confirming the key details and include contact methods that rescue teams are able use. When sharing donation requests, verify the legitimacy of the charity. False donation links exploit good hearts and take resources away from those who really need them. 

Regulations and ethics

Different jurisdictions have certain rules about photographing and distributing images taken during emergencies, especially when minors or casualties are involved. Even in areas where laws are relaxed, ethical considerations will remain. If you capture images during a scene, blur faces and avoid identifiable details when posting. When using photos from a second party, make sure to credit the photographer and confirm the right to distribute it. 

Most social media outlets and platforms have policies against posting explicit content. Familiarise yourself with these rules and follow them. Respect and dignity should be the bare minimum. 

Practical tips

Certain practices that can be taken into consideration when posting online:

• Keep it simple: Short and clear posts are easier to act on and less likely to be confusing
• Make sure to include a timestamp: A date and time reduce confusion as situations evolve
• Use reliable images and videos: Ensure they accurately represent the location and the moment you are trying to describe
• Avoid speculations: Certain speculations could be fake so avoid sharing motives or causes without confirmed sources
• Amplify authoritative voices: Repost or share verified posts so that accurate information reaches people faster
• Protect responders: Don’t post locations of search and rescue operations as it could affect their work and speed
• Manage comments: If you are handling a page or group, remove rumors and correct misinformation shared
• Apply trending hashtags when publishing a post: Hashtags will drive more traffic towards the post, helping it reach people faster

Social media users are not just bystanders during crises. They are a portal to share and spread information faster. Responsible reporting demands a commitment towards respecting those who have been affected and a focus on reliable and honest information.

If every user applied these simple checks before posting, social media would be far more effective at saving lives and supporting those who are in need. When urgency is high, care, empathy, and accuracy matter even more.

Share to help and provide, not to harm and take away.