Published
2026-04-29
Conference Proceedings Volume
Section
Communication and the role of media in crises
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Kristijan Sedak, Mateja Fras Venus, Matilda Kolić Stanić
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
Social Networks and Digital Channels: Untapped Potential for Informing Citizens About Disaster Risks
Kristijan Sedak
Catholic University of Croatia, Department of Communication Sciences
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6755-0176
Mateja Fras Venus
Matilda Kolić Stanić
Keywords: social networks, digital channels, crisis communication, disaster risks, informing citizens, civil protection
Abstract
This paper examines the role of social networks and other digital channels in informing citizens about disaster risks in Croatia, with the aim of identifying their untapped potential. Based on a nationally representative survey of the adult population (N=1000), two aspects are analyzed: which channels are actually used for information (news portals, social networks, official websites of civil protection system stakeholders, etc.) and which channels citizens perceive as the most desirable sources of information in crisis situations. Special emphasis is placed on social networks and official digital channels of institutions, with a comparison of different age groups and types of settlements.
Preliminary findings indicate that online news portals are the most frequently used source, while the official websites of civil protection system stakeholders stand out as the most desirable channel, although they are used significantly less in practice. Social networks, especially among younger respondents, play an important role in information seeking, but their institutional potential remains only partially utilized. Differences by age and level of urbanization indicate the need for a segmented approach to crisis communication planning.
The paper concludes that there is a clear gap between the existing information‑seeking pattern and the preferred model of digital risk communication. In light of this, guidelines are proposed for strengthening the presence and visibility of official digital channels (web and social networks) and for adapting content to different target groups, in order to improve timely and credible communication in crisis situations.
