Critical Role of Social Media in Improving Public Safety

Said Nabil Abu Aita

Arab Institute for Safety Sciences

21st November 2024, Thursday (11:30-12:40), Room 1

Session Chair : Fouzi Semchedine, Setif 1 University, Algeria

ABSTRACT

As public safety continues to evolve, each disaster or emergency presents unique challenges for emergency management and response teams. A core focus remains the timely dissemination of accurate information to help communities prepare, mitigate, respond, and recover effectively. The scope of crisis communication has undergone significant transformations, especially with the rise of the Internet and social media platforms. As a result, the use of social media in public safety during crises has become a subject of increasing discussion among professionals. This study aims to examine the role of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and other private or governmental platforms in supporting protection and safety efforts during crises. The research focuses on how these platforms can serve as crucial communication tools to enhance public resilience and reduce risks during critical situations. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed to investigate the impact of social media during emergencies. The study used 200 questionnaires and conducted two interviews-one with a social media expert and another with a public safety official. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that social media platforms, both private and governmental, play a key role in guiding the dissemination of safety information. The results indicate that 30% of respondents consider social media platforms essential in spreading information about various crises, with Facebook being the most widely used (53% of respondents). The speed and credibility of social media in delivering news, updates, and alerts during crises were highlighted as particularly effective, with 57% of respondents noting that social media pages deliver news faster than traditional sources, with high reliability.

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Said Nabil Abu Aita is an experienced security and crisis management professional with over 16 years of expertise in disaster risk reduction (DRR), emergency response, and security operations. Currently serving as a Security Operations Assistant at the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in Gaza, he ensures the safety of UN and humanitarian staff through risk assessment, incident monitoring, and security coordination. Said has also worked as a consultant on numerous projects, providing training and developing safety plans for organizations in Gaza, Egypt, and Lebanon. His training programs cover risk management, emergency preparedness, climate change adaptation, and occupational safety, totaling over 1,000 hours in the past five years. He holds a Doctorate in Crisis Management, a Master's in Crisis and Disaster Management, and certifications in security and safety management. Said has contributed to several international conferences and publications, including a book on disaster management and research on COVID-19 preparedness in conflict zones.