1School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, 686560, India. E-mail: kurupgireesh@gmail.com
2Research Guide, School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, 686560, India. E-mail: dineshank@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Dineshan Koovakkai, Research Guide, School of Social Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, 686560, India. E-mail: dineshank@gmail.com
The study explores the pattern of spreading misinformation during disaster situations. The 2018 flood of Kerala is taken as a case for the study. The data was collected through online questionnaires from a sample of 100 victims of the flood which occurred in Kerala in 2018. The analysis of data is done with 88 responses received. The study reveals that WhatsApp ranked first through which people spread misinformation during the Kerala flood. The possibility of further disaster is the matter mostly communicated through social media without correctness and authenticity of information. The misinformation was spread greatly during the time of rescue operations. As there was no proper preventive measures and due to the panic among people, the misinformation spread faster during the disaster. Misinformation through social media during the flood in Kerala created great amount of fear and anxiety among the people.
Social Media, Misinformation, Disaster Situations, Kerala Tlood, Mobile Penetration
