BSU Today 2020: Dr Ashik Shafi, Integrated Media

The Crisis and Emergency Risk Model of communication specifies the types of messages to give during an emergency situation. This study looks at the types and evaluation of Facebook posts by Center for Disease Control (CDC) during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in light of the CERC model. The content, evaluation and reaction to the Facebook posts were determined though a content analysis, social media reaction analysis and an open-ended survey. The results show around 40% of the Facebook posts by CDC prescribed action, 15% asked public’s response, 12% gave updates of CDC’s activities and 16% addressed specifically vulnerable communities. Survey data revealed although audience highly appreciated posts prescribing actions, they were critical of the posts those updated CDC’s own activities or explained scientific process behind the virus. Study points out agencies such as CDC should give specific guidance, such as how to make a face mask, instead of generic ones during similar pandemic occasions in future.