Changing the engines of change: Natural resource conservation in the era of social media

An Integrated WebGIS Framework for Volunteered Geographic Information and Social Media in Soil and Water Conservation

“…Locations of abandoned developments were able to be identified through traditional GIS analysis (Werts and others 2012); however, conditions at individual sites are constantly changing creating the need for a constantlyupdating sensor network that is too expensive and at too fine of a scale to be implemented with current remote sensing technology. By also enabling commenting on VGI submissions, the credibility of the data may be increased along with public understanding and retention of knowledge (Flanagin and Metzger 2008;Anderson-Wilk 2009). To further publicize the website, RSS feed and Facebook fan page is instantly updated when a posting occurs to offer interactivity and information at the speed required keeping the public engaged in today's data-rich environment (Bruns 2008).…”

“…Functionality in the new WebGIS framework must include instant interactivity that moves at the speed of social media by integrating with social networks, and allowing optional updates through RSS, email or other means. Greater social interaction including commenting between users and explaining concepts to each other can lead to greater engagement, retention of information, and likelihood of changed behavior (Anderson-Wilk 2009). …”

Journal of Applied Communications vol.98 (4) Full Issue

“…User-generated content is "content that comes from regular people who voluntarily contribute data, information, or media that then appears before others in a useful or entertaining way, usually for the web" (Krumm, Davies, & Narayanaswami, 2008, p. 10). With the recent growth of social media, people all over the world are connecting through common interests more quickly, more inexpensively, and with less reservation (Anderson-Wilk, 2009). This trend allows users to keep in contact with others they might not normally be able to because of time and distance issues.…”

“…This trend allows users to keep in contact with others they might not normally be able to because of time and distance issues. Social media allows for users to be more involved in an activity than has previously been possible through one-way communication channels (Anderson-Wilk, 2009). …”

Journal of Applied Communications vol. 99 (4) Full Issue

“…Blogs can increase cognizance and consumer loyalty through engagement of the consumer in the development of expectations and experiences. By opening the door to personal communication, blogs help foster an honest and trustworthy environment for consumers to easily participate (Anderson-Wilk, 2009;Singh et al, 2008). Kaye (2010) indicated blogs are becoming an increasingly more popular way to communicate How agricultural media portray important and relevant issues is becoming increasingly important because of the increased use of social media (Rhoades & Aue, 2010).…”