Forest Fire Scenarios in Digital Platforms

Abstract

Forest fires are widespread in Portugal, particularly in the summer. Recently, in 2017, Portugal had two great fires. As a result, more than 120 people died, hundreds suffered injuries and registered significant economic and environmental losses. Since then, and due to the evolution and democratization of the internet and technology devices, forest fire content is much more common in cyberspace. Thus, to understand this issue, the authors propose to outline a profile of the digital platforms used in forest fire situations. The goal is to understand the uses and commitment arising from forest fires' issues in digital platforms by presenting a conceptual framework in Portugal's specific case. The authors analyzed webpages, mobile apps, Facebook pages and groups, and YouTube channels, focusing on forest fires contents. By understanding the kind of digital platform, its contents, uses, and interaction, this chapter contributes to understanding digital platforms' role in crisis and disaster scenarios such as wildfires.

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“…During a natural hazard or an extreme event, individuals on social media platforms can be the first respondents to a situation (Abdullah et al, 2015). This way, deliberately or not, besides being the frontline and help the authorities (Gonçalves & Oliveira, 2022), they also may contribute to "information disorder". A dread rumour can be more trustworthy and more likely to go viral, possibly directly impacting a community (Mukherjee, 2017 July 14; Muhammed & Mathew, 2022).…”

“Information disorder” campaigns in natural hazards and extreme events –a form of foreign influence and a hybrid threat?

“…During a natural hazard or an extreme event, individuals on social media platforms can be the first respondents to a situation (Abdullah et al, 2015). This way, deliberately or not, besides being the frontline and help the authorities (Gonçalves & Oliveira, 2022), they also may contribute to "information disorder". A dread rumour can be more trustworthy and more likely to go viral, possibly directly impacting a community (Mukherjee, 2017 July 14; Muhammed & Mathew, 2022).…”