EXAMINING THE INFORMATION DISSEMINATION PROCESS ON SOCIAL MEDIA DURING THE MALAYSIA 2014 FLOODS USING SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS (SNA)

Abstract

This article is based on a study which examined the information dissemination process on the social media during the Malaysia 2014 floods by employing the Social Network Analysis. Specifically, the study analyzed the type of network structure formed and its density, the influential people involved, and the kind of information shared during the flood. The data was collected from a non-governmental organization fan page (NGOFP) and a significant civilian fan page (ICFP) on Facebook using NodeXL. The two datasets contained 296 posts which generated different network structures based on the state of the flood, information available, and the needs of the information. Through content analysis, five common themes emerged from the information exchanges for both fan pages which helped in providing material and psychological support to the flood victims. However, only 5% of the networks’ population served as information providers, and this prompted the need for more active participation especially from organizations with certified information. Based on the findings presented and elaborated, this article concluded by stating the implications and recommendations of the study conducted.