The role of smartphone apps in disasters

Almost all participants, irrespective of their age, showed a strong interest in testing and using a mobile phone app specifically designed for disasters; only one participant explicitly rejected the idea to download and test such app. Generally, a “disaster app” was seen to be a convenient tool –“It’s easy to use” (G4-P2), “easy to access” (G7-P3), “it is always at hand” (G6-P8) – and it was also perceived to be safer that social media: “I trust apps more than social media. Social media can be abused” (G1-P7). Some younger participants though expressed their concern that “if we rely too much on apps or on technology, people aged seventy from Amatrice wouldn’t do anything” (G3-P1) but, more often, this stereotype was rejected by both younger and older participants: “I have a mobile which is new but I don’t use apps. But with this option I would start to use them, because I think it’s very useful” (G9-P9). An app was not only perceived to be an information source, but some participants also expressed their opinion that “it makes you keep things under control” (G6-P2) which may, in a disaster situation, have a positive psychological effect on victims. Additionally, a number of participants referred to such app as a “cultural tool”: “I feel quite confident, because Italians have always demonstrated altruism, we always help each other. This [app] could create more community. I would see it as something socially useful” (G1-P3). “It’s important […] It puts you into connection with other people in the area, even if there isn’t that great a risk” (G8-P10). “This is part of the civic education that we don’t have, because with awareness, education and culture we can face or at least limit the damage from these events” (G10-P5). Here, the participants not only perceived the possible function of technology-based sociality, but they also imagined its contribution to the development of a “culture of preparedness” through common interest in the use of a new technology.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Norms/values, Worldviews, Open-mindedness, Communication, Attitudes toward the media, Social networks

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Preparedness, Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Non-active citizens, Media, Government, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Engage in activities and develop strategies aiming to improve trust between citizens and authorities