You're PROBABLY Posting This Wrong: Disaster Etiquette You NEED to Know (Before You Get Canceled!)

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When natural disasters strike, the digital landscape often becomes a double-edged sword. While social media can be a powerful tool for disseminating crucial information and rallying support, it can also amplify insensitivity and disconnect. The images provide a vital guide on what not to post during a flood or natural disaster, urging a thoughtful and empathetic approach to online presence during times of crisis.

This guide highlights several types of content to avoid and offers constructive alternatives, emphasizing that genuine support and awareness are paramount.

The Perils of Insensitive Content 

Insensitive Challenges or Trends

During a disaster, avoid engaging in TikTok dances or trends, particularly when using flooded areas as an "aesthetic" background . This can be perceived as using someone else's hardship for clout, trivializing their suffering for personal gain or online virality. The focus should be on the real-world impact of the disaster, not on creating trending content.

Fitness, Aesthetic, or Beauty Content Without Acknowledging the Crisis

Posts like "what I eat in a day" or "outfit of the day" may seem harmless, but when shared without any empathy or awareness of the ongoing crisis, they can attract significant backlash. While not inherently wrong, such content can appear tone-deaf and disconnected from the harsh realities many are facing. It’s crucial to consider the context of your audience and the broader situation.

Travel Content in Sunny, Safe Places

Avoid posting about beach trips, out-of-country vlogs, or staycations during the height of a disaster. Such content can appear out of touch with the struggles of locals who might be stranded, wet, and worried. At a time when communities are grappling with devastation, showcasing leisurely activities in safe havens can create a sense of disconnect and resentment.

Bragging or Overly Positive Vibes

While positivity is generally encouraged, phrases like "good vibes only," "grateful no matter what," or "manifesting abundance" can come off as dismissive of real struggles, even if unintentional. When people are losing homes, livelihoods, and even loved ones, overly positive or privileged posts can seem to invalidate their pain and experiences.

Luxury or Lavish Lifestyle Posts

Avoid sharing content related to shopping hauls, expensive vacations, luxury food, or designer items. This kind of content can be insulting to those who are struggling, displaced, or have lost belongings. It creates a stark contrast between your comfort and their distress, highlighting a lack of sensitivity to their dire circumstances.

Jokes or Memes About the Disaster

Making light of a natural disaster through jokes or memes that mock the flood or show people in distress for entertainment is highly inappropriate. This behavior minimizes the trauma and danger that victims are enduring. It's crucial to remember that a disaster is a serious event with real human consequences, not a source of comedic material.

Irrelevant Promotional Posts (Hard Selling)

Avoid "buy now!" content or any hard-selling posts that ignore the crisis, especially if they are unrelated to the situation. It can appear as though you are capitalizing while others are suffering, prioritizing profit over people's well-being. Businesses should consider pausing aggressive marketing during such times and instead focus on community support if possible.

What to Post Instead 

During a natural disaster, your online presence can be a force for good. Instead of contributing to insensitive content, consider posting:

Helpful information: Share details about evacuation centers, emergency hotlines, and safety tips. This provides crucial aid to those affected and helps organize relief efforts. 2.  Donation drives or relief efforts: Promote and participate in fundraisers, donation drives, and volunteer opportunities. Amplifying these initiatives can significantly impact the lives of those in need.

Messages of empathy, support, and prayer: Offer words of comfort, solidarity, and encouragement. Simple messages of care can provide emotional support to those grappling with loss and uncertainty.

Educational content on climate awareness or disaster readiness: Use the platform to educate your audience on climate change, disaster preparedness, and resilience. This helps foster a more informed and ready community for future events.

By choosing to be thoughtful and empathetic in your online actions during a crisis, you contribute positively to the collective response and demonstrate true solidarity with those who are suffering.

About "WazzupPilipinas.com"

WazzupPilipinas.com is the fastest growing and most awarded blog and social media community that has transcended beyond online media. It has successfully collaborated with all forms of media namely print, radio and television making it the most diverse multimedia organization. The numerous collaborations with hundreds of brands and organizations as online media partner and brand ambassador makes WazzupPilipinas.com a truly successful advocate of everything about the Philippines, and even more since its support extends further to even international organizations including startups and SMEs that have made our country their second home.