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Hashtagging Sandy: How are the psychological effects of natural

disasters expressed in social media? Analyzing the response to Hurricane Sandy on Twitter

ABSTRACT

In the wake of crisis, humans innately succumb to particular set of emotions, allowing

psychologists to develop a pattern for their responses to trauma. While subjective, a general

cycle of emotions can be broken down into three stages: anticipation, experience, and

recovery. This study examines this traditional psychological theory and its application to

current events through the October 2012 disaster, Hurricane Sandy, and how it was expressed

through social media. Presenting the timeline of trending topics and hashtags as exhibits, the

investigation asks: to what extent did social media act as an outlet to express the

psychological effects of natural disasters? Using the psychological stages to trauma recovery,

as described by Herman (2002), and Quarantelli and Dynes (1977), as methods, this study

finds that a similar pattern of human response and cycle of emotions was captured on Twitter

during Hurricane Sandy. During this computerized era, this investigation examines relevant

information regarding the hybridization of traditional psychology and new technology.

INTRODUCTION

On October 22, 2012, Tropical Storm Sandy formed in the Atlantic Ocean. Two

days later it intensified to a Category 1 Hurricane and on October 28, President Obama

declared an emergency for the state of New Jersey. After reaching the status of a

Category 2 Hurricane, Sandy hit the United States—impacting 24 states from Florida to

Maine, and as far inland as Michigan and Wisconsin (FEMA, 2013).

Following the storm’s formation, social media site, Twitter, became a prominent

outlet for public commentary. Users ranged from professional journalists and federal

organizations to local communities and civilian reporters. The accessibility and utility of

social media was showcased by Hurricane Sandy’s record-breaking presence on Twitter

before, during, and after the storm. In affected regions, the site was a communicative

tool to share live action posts despite the loss of power. In other areas, it was used to

voice the reactions, concerns, and relief effort support following the storm. With access

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to the Twitter archives from this event and the months that followed, researchers

analyzed patterns expressed on social media as a result of a natural disaster.

On Twitter on October 29, 2012, as users sought information about the storm,

search queries related to Hurricane Sandy peaked at 20 percent of total search queries on

the site (Olanoff, 2012). The massive presence of Sandy on social media demonstrated a

new outlet for victims and onlookers to express their responses to trauma and crisis. Four

days later on November 2, 2012 following the end of Sandy’s most damaging impacts,

Twitter released five official tweets from their official account regarding Hurricane

Sandy’s impact on their site. Two of these tweets read: “People sent more than 20

million Tweets about the storm between Oct 27 & Nov 1. Terms tracked: ‘sandy,’

‘hurricane,’ #sandy, #hurricane,” and “Between Saturday, Oct 27 and Tuesday, Oct 30,

Tweets mentioning the Red Cross increased 30x” (Olanoff, 2012). By 10:00 pm on

October 30, 2012, the top shared terms on social media sites included “we are ok,”

“power” (lost power, have power, no power), and “damage” (Garun, 2012).

With 20 million tweets, social media analysts formulated chronological and

thematic patterns from the trending topics and hashtags that were posted. According to

social mapping of Twitter’s most prominent hashtags, the time frame before and during

the storm reflected a spread of information and feelings of anxiety and frustration. Such

hashtags include: #Sandy, #HurricaneSandy, #RomneyStormTips, #FrankenStorm,

#StaySafe, #ThanksSandy and #FuckYouSandy. Conversely, the most popular Sandy-

related hashtags on November 3 following the storm reflected feelings of resilience with

an emphasis on relief efforts and donations. These hashtags include: #RedCross,

#JerseyStrong, #RestoreTheShore, and #SandyHelp (SocialMedia, 2012). This cycle of

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responses and it correlating timeline relate back to traditional psychology theories of

stages humans undergo in reaction to crises, such as natural disasters. A general cycle of

emotions can be broken down into three stages: anticipation, experience, and recovery.

The extent to which these traditional ideas are upheld in new technology, specifically

Twitter, is the principal discussion of this study.

METHOD

The purpose of this investigation is to analyze how the psychological effects of

natural disasters are expressed in social media, specifically Twitter. To do this, the

project first identified what psychological effects it was expecting to find. By

establishing a cycle of responses, the exhibits of this investigation, which are the trending

topics and hashtags on Twitter, are analyzed. By establishing a correlation between the

themes of those posts over time, this study examined to what extent the responses to

Hurricane Sandy on social media in 2012 are a reflection of the traditional psychological

theories of stages to recovery.

Although they portray similar ideas, theories of human psychological responses to

disasters differ slightly from psychologist to psychologist. For this reason, the method of

analysis for this investigation combined psychological processes outlined by two sources:

Recovery from Psychological Trauma by Judith L. Herman (2002) and Response to

Social Crisis and Disaster by Quarantelli and Dynes (1977). Herman states that recovery

unfolds in three stages: the establishment of safety, mourning and remembrance, and

reconnection with ordinary life. The first stage reflects patterns of anxiety preceding the

storm. The last two reflect support and relief efforts expressed on social media during and

after the storm. Quarantelli and Dynes state that there are at least four major references

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for the term “disaster:” the physical agent, the consequences of the agent, the impact, and

the social disruption and social changes brought by the impact. The first reference refers

to the information and spread of information regarding the actual disaster. The second

and third references relate to the damages created by the disaster and its impact on its

victims. The last reference reflects efforts to stabilize the impacted areas through support

and relief efforts.

Combining these theories, this investigation divided the psychological effects of

trauma, specifically natural disasters, into three stages: anticipation, experience, and

recovery. Stage 1, anticipation and the time period preceding the event, is associated

with the spread of information and feelings of anxiety (such as concern for the wellbeing

of loved ones and oneself). Stage 2, experience and the time period during the event,

focuses on reporting the physical agent itself and one’s relationship with the event (such

as live-tweeting, photo sharing, and video sharing). Stage 3, recovery and the time period

after the event, reflects the disruption caused by the agent and what efforts are being

made to recover (such as memorials and relief efforts).

To apply this method, this investigation analyzed the top Sandy-related trending

topics as exhibits. Each trending topic or hashtag was associated with one of the three

stages established above with a reason explaining its connection to the particular stage

(Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5). The time frame for this experiment was confined to October 22,

2012, when Tropical Storm Sandy first formed, to November 22, 2012, a month after

Sandy’s formation (FEMA, 2013). At this time, trending topics related to the hurricane

returned to pre-Sandy norms.

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Using the Twitter search engine, Topsy Pro, this experiment formulated key

words, hashtags, users, and domains associated with each trending topic (Figures 1, 3, 4,

and 5). Topsy Pro was used to record the number of tweets regarding each trending topic

per day from October 22, 2012 to November 22, 2012 (see Supplemental Data). Graphs

were then created to visually represent the patterns of each trending topic in respect to its

associated stage (Figures 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a, and 7b). In doing so, this investigation

determined to the extent to which the psychological effects of natural disaster was

evident in social media.

Figure 1: Symbol Legend

Symbol Significance

“Red Cross”

The quotation marks signify a specific phrase or key words.

When used, the search engine will pull data regarding tweets

using the words in quotations.

#RedCross

The # symbol is known as a “hashtag” on Twitter—allowing

users to search tweets by topic. When used, the search engine

will pull data regarding tweets using the specified hashtag.

@RedCross

The @ symbol hyperlinks a Twitter user to a tweet. When

used, the search engine will pull data regarding tweets that tag

a specify user.

Domain: Instagram

The domain signifies that a particular website or application is

being shared using the tweet. In this investigation, Instagram

will be the only example of this. When posting a picture on

Instagram, there is a “share to Twitter” option. The search

engine will pull data regarding these posts.

Figure 2: Criteria for Stage Categorization

Stage Time Frame Characteristics

1 – Anticipation

Before the event

(Oct. 22-Oct.

28)

Stage 1 is associated with the spread of

information and feelings of anxiety and

precaution. This includes the concern for the

wellbeing of loved ones and oneself.

2 – Experience During the event Stage 2 focuses on reporting the physical agent

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(Oct. 29-30) itself and one’s relationship with the event.

Examples of this are live tweeting, photo sharing,

and video sharing.

3 – Recovery

After the event

(Oct. 31-Nov.

22)

Stage 3 reflects on the disruption caused by the

agent and what efforts are being made to recover.

This can range from memorials to relief efforts.

Figure 3: Stage 1 – Trending Topics

Trending Topic:

Words/Phrases Searched

Associated Psychological

Stage Reason

Be Safe//Stay Safe:

“Be Safe,” #BeSafe, “Stay

Safe,” #StaySafe

1 Anxiety, precautions

Emergency:

“Sandy Forecast,” “Sandy

State,” “Sandy

Evacuation,” “Sandy

Prepare,” “Sandy

Emergency”

1 Spread of information

Family/Friends:

“Friends Sandy,” “Family

Sandy”

1 Anxiety, concern for the

wellbeing of others

Frankenstorm/Storm:

“East Coast,” “Storm,”

“Frankenstorm,”

#Frankenstorm

1 Spread of Information

Thoughts/Prayers:

“Thoughts Sandy,”

“Prayers Sandy,” “Pray

Sandy”

1 Anxiety, concern for the

wellbeing of others

Weather:

“Hurricane Weather,”

“Sandy Weather”

1 Spread of information


Trending Topic /

Hashtag


Stage Reason

Instagram:

Domain: Instagram

“Hurricane Sandy,”

#HurricaneSandy,

“Sandy,” #Sandy

2 Photo sharing

Lam – 7


Trending Topic /

Hashtag


Stage Reason

Help/Victims:

“Sandy Help,” “Sandy

Victims”

3 Relief efforts

Red Cross:

“Red Cross,” #RedCross

@RedCross

3 Relief efforts

Relief/Donate:

“Relief Sandy,” “Donate

Sandy”

3 Relief efforts

Restore the Shore:

“Jersey Shore,” “NJ

Sandy,” “Restore the

Shore,”

#RestoreTheShore

3 Relief efforts

Power:

“Power,” “Have Power,”

“No “Power”, “Lost

Power”

2 Relationship with the

event

Reaction/Weather:

“Sandy Crazy,” “Sandy

Scary,” “Sandy Rain,”

“Sandy Wind,” “Sandy

Flood,” “Sandy Flooding”

2 Live reporting and

relationship with the event

Thanks//Fuck You:

“Fuck You Sandy,”

“Thanks Sandy,”

#ThanksSandy, “Thank

You Sandy”

2 Reaction and relationship

to the event

Update/Photo/Video:

“Sandy Update,” “Sandy

Photo,” “Sandy Video”

2 Live reporting, photo

sharing, and video sharing

Lam – 8

Figure 6a: Stage 1

Figure 6b: Stage 2

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 24

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 30

No

v. 1

No

v. 3

No

v. 5

No

v. 7

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

3

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

7

No

v. 1

9

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stage 1

Stay Safe//Be Safe

Emergency

Family/Friends

Frankenstorm/Storm

Thoughts/Prayers

Weather

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000

Oct

. 22

O

ct. 2

4

Oct

. 26

O

ct. 2

8

Oct

. 30

N

ov

. 1

No

v. 3

N

ov

. 5

No

v. 7

N

ov

. 9

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

3

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

7

No

v. 1

9

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stage 2

Instagram

Power

Reaction/Weather

Thanks//Fuck You

Update/Photo/Video

Lam – 9

Figure 6c: Stage 3

Figure 7a: Stage 1 (Oct. 22-Nov. 7: Excluding Stay Safe//Be Safe)

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

80,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 24

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 30

No

v. 1

No

v. 3

No

v. 5

No

v. 7

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

3

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

7

No

v. 1

9

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stage 3

Help Victims

Red Cross

Relief/Donate

Restore the Shore

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 23

Oct

. 24

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 27

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 29

Oct

. 30

Oct

. 31

No

v. 1

No

v. 2

No

v. 3

No

v. 4

No

v. 5

No

v. 6

No

v. 7

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stage 1 (Oct. 22-Nov. 7: Excluding Stay Safe//Be Safe)

Emergency

Family/Friends

Frankenstorm/Storm

Thoughts/Prayers

Weather

Lam – 10

Figure 7b: Stage 2 (Oct. 22-Nov. 7: Excluding Power)

FINDINGS

Prior to examining the increase/decrease patterns and chronology of the tweets, it

is important to note that the actual value of the y-variable, “Number of Times Used,” is

irrelevant in studying the psychological response to natural disasters and trauma.

Because this investigation examines the trends on Twitter in association with three stages

of reaction, trends will be evaluated relative to chronology, and not relative to other

trends. This means that the data is assessed by how popular it is at one particular moment

in comparison to its own popularity over the remaining days. If a trend is congruent with

the patterns of its associated stage, it will have a notable Twitter presence during that

period of time.

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 23

Oct

. 24

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 27

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 29

Oct

. 30

Oct

. 31

No

v. 1

No

v. 2

No

v. 3

No

v. 4

No

v. 5

No

v. 6

No

v. 7

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stage 2 (Excluding Power)

Instagram

Reaction/Weather

Thanks//Fuck You

Update/Photo/Video

Lam – 11

In Figure 6a, the data shows that the trend “Stay Safe//Be Safe” was the most

popular by nearly fivefold. While this y-value is insignificant, a separate graph (Figure

7a) was created excluding this anomaly for a clearer representation of the remaining

Stage 1 trends. All Stage 1 trends return to pre-Sandy norms by November 7, 2012 so

Figure 7a is also confined to the time frame October 22 to November 7 for visual

purposes. In Figure 6b, the data also shows that the trend “Power” was an anomaly.

Another graph (Figure 7b) was created and confined to the time frame October 22 to

November 7 for the same visual clarifications purposes as Figure 7a.

Beginning with Stage 1, the data shows that the trend “Stay Safe//Be Safe” starts

to uncharacteristically increase on October 25, 2012. On October 25, “Stay Safe//BeSafe”

see a 41% increase from its popularity on October 22. By October 27, there is a 150%

increase, and by its peak on October 29, the trend had increased 3,200% from its October

22 value (see Supplemental Data).

The remaining Stage 1 trends show two distinct patterns. The trends “Emergency,”

“Frankenstorm/Storm,” and “Weather” are categorized under the spread of information

characteristic of Stage 1. The trends “Family/Friends” and “Thoughts/Prayers” are

categorized under the anxiety/precaution characteristic of Stage 1 that focuses on concern

for the wellbeing of others. Figure 7a shows that use of trends in the “spread of

information” category begins to increase on October 24. “Frankenstorms/Storms” see the

most dramatic increase by October 25. However, the three trends each reach a peak in

usage on October 29 during Hurricane Sandy. In contrast, Figure 7a shows that use of

trends in the anxiety/precaution category begins to increase on October 27. While

“Family/Friends” reaches a peak in usage on October 29, “Thought/Prayers” trends

Lam – 12

continue to increase until October 30. Stage 1 trends return to pre-Sandy use by

November 1. The only exception is “Thoughts/Prayers,” which continues to have

significant use until November 5.

Similar to “Stay Safe//Be Safe,” the Stage 2 trend, “Power” showed very dramatic

increase patterns during this time period. The trend begins to uncharacteristically grow

on October 28, increasing 69% from its usage on October 22. By its peak on October 30,

“Power” increased by 850% of its starting value pre-Sandy (see Supplemental Data).

Unlike Stage 1, which can be subdivided into different categories, all of the Stage

2 trends regarded a relationship to the event. This could be expressed through activities

such as live tweeting, photo sharing, and video sharing. Excluding the anomaly, “Power,”

Figure 7b shows that all of the remaining Stage 2 trends start to significantly increase on

October 27. While “Instagram,” “Reaction/Weather,” and “Thanks//Fuck You” peaked

during the storm on October 29, “Update/Photo/Video” continued to increase until

October 30. By November 1, all of the Stage 2 trends had dramatically decreased from

peak activity during the storm. Most continued to dwindle until November 7, when they

returned to pre-Sandy norm. However, “Power” continued to have significant use until

November 10. It is worthwhile to note that in Figure 7b “Instagram” showed a unique

pattern of trend sustainability. From October 29 to October 30, Instagram posts to Twitter

only decreased by 1%.

Unlike Stages 1 and 2, the graph of Stage 3 in Figure 6c shows a more sustained

presence of these trends up until late November. In the first two stages, every trend had a

distinct increase period, moment of peak usage, and decrease period. Stage 3 strays far

from this norm with sporadic increase/decrease patterns. “Help/Victims” reached notable

Lam – 13

peaks on October 30, November 3, and November 5. “Red Cross” reached notable peaks

on October 30 and November 3. “Relief/Donate” reached notable peaks on November 3

and November 9-10. “Restore the Shore” reached notable peaks on October 29,

November 2, and November 16.

DISCUSSION

The analysis of Twitter trends during Hurricane Sandy support the psychological

theories of trauma recovery as outlined by Herman (2002), and Quarantelli and Dynes

(1977). Following the criteria for these three stages as outlined by Figure 2, the Twitter

trends during Hurricane Sandy were to be analyzed chronologically and thematically. If

reaction to the natural disaster was congruent to the psychological models, then is was

expected that Stage 1 trends would have a noticeable presence on Twitter in the days

preceding the event. The findings show that Stage 1 trends can be divided into two

categories: the spread of information and anxiety/precaution. The first category includes

the trends “Emergency,” “Frankenstorm/Storm,” and “Weather.” Following the

formation of the storm on October 22, the use of these trends begins to

uncharacteristically increase on October 24. The second category includes the trends

“Family/Friends” and “Thought/Prayers.” These trends begin to increase on October 27.

According to Herman, the establishment of safety is the first step to recovery; and

Quarantelli and Dynes state that the details of the physical agent are first to be recognized.

These theories are supported by Twitter activity on October 24 and 27, which both take

place before Hurricane Sandy’s landfall on October 29. This supports the correlation

between anticipation and Stage 1 trends. However, trends associated with the spread of

information begin to increase a full three days before trends associated with

Lam – 14

anxiety/precaution. Two main functions of social media are information dissemination

and information gathering (Chan, 2010). As Sandy’s destruction potential increased, the

spread of information began trending five days before the storm hit. This spread of

information only translated into feelings of anxiety/precaution on October 27. One’s

proximity to the location of a natural disaster can decrease their optimistic bias

(Weinstein, Lyon, Rothman, & Cuite, 2000). Therefore it was only after Hurricane

Sandy moved closer to the United States, that there was an influx of tweets on October 27

regarding concern for the wellbeing of others and oneself.

It is imperative to recognize that the three stages outlined in the methods section

can overlap chronologically. While Stage 1 trends supported theories of pre-event

anticipation, the peak usage of all Stage 1 actually occurred during Hurricane Sandy.

Social media has provided unprecedented opportunity to voice simple and instantly

accessible information at any time (Johnson, 2012). Therefore at the height of crisis, the

spread of information and anxiety remained popular trends on Twitter despite the end of

anticipation. As shown by Figure 7a, the trend “Thoughts/Prayers” is the only Stage 1

trend to peak on October 30 rather than October 29. This can be explained by Hackbarth,

Pavkov, Wetchler, and Flannery, who argue that in addition to anxiety, the resiliency of

victims who have experienced natural disasters is greatly dependent on factors such as

spirituality/religiosity (2011). Furthermore, while the remainder of Stage 1 trends return

to pre-Sandy norms by November 1, “Thoughts/Prayers” continues to have increased

Twitter presence until November 5. Showing characteristics that extend beyond Stage 1

trends, this supports the argument that culture, and thus religion, will play an integral role

in how people of a particular region cope with natural disasters (Varghese, 2010).

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Taking place during Hurricane Sandy, Stage 2 covered Quarantelli and Dyne’s

references to the physical agent and the consequences of the agent (1977). Each Stage 2

trend related to one’s relationship to the event, which could be broadcasted as an

emotional reaction, live reporting, photo sharing, or video sharing. Stage 2 trends

showed above-average Twitter presence from October 27 to November 1 then dwindle

back to pre-Sandy norms by November 7. Trends “Reaction/Weather” and

“Thanks//Fuck You” peak on October 29. In response to natural disasters, new problems

emerge such as strategies between victims, researchers, managers, policy makers, and

stakeholders in the community (Mitchell, 1995). The reactions of these trends, which

occurred at the height of the storm, reflect frustration with these conflicts.

Figure 6b shows that “Power” is a clear anomaly. Prior to the storm, “Power”

was a consistent topic of 200,000 tweets per day. On October 30, this trend reached a

high of 1,725,000. As stated, the actual y-value is irrelevant in assessing the relative

increase/decrease patterns. However, it is worthwhile to note that the influx of power-

related tweets builds off an already prominent pre-Sandy status. Its pronounced

popularity is explained by social media applications of info-sharing, situation awareness,

and rumor control (NASEO, 2013). Unlike other Stage 2 trends, “Power” retains

increased Twitter presence until November 10. At this point, trends are expected to

reflect Stage 3. But “Power” remains an extended Stage 2 trend as the loss of power

remained an issue for damaged regions weeks following Sandy.

In Figure 7b, the trend “Instagram” shows a unique characteristic of trend

sustainability. In contrast to all other trends, “Instagram” shows a mere 1% decrease

from October 29 to October 30. In combination with live reporting, Instagram was used

Lam – 16

to express the immediate consequences of Sandy. One of the most effective ways for

victims of an emotional crisis to recover is by finding other outlets of expressions such as

art (Wahl-Alexander & Sinelnikov, 2013). As technology advances, media applications

such as Instagram are new artistic mediums.

As the last psychological response to trauma, Stage 3 is defined by remembrance

and reconnection (Herman, 2002) as well as the impact and social changes caused

(Quarantelli and Dynes, 1977). All Stage 3 trends in this experiment focus on relief

efforts following Hurricane Sandy. Differing from Stages 1 and 2, Stage 3 data does not

show any specific time frames in which all of the trends displayed peaking patterns.

Rather the use of each trend varies greatly per day, resulting in the multitude of steep

slopes in Figure 6c.

In Figure 5, it is stated that phrases under the trend “Restore the Shore” included:

“Jersey Shore,” “NJ Sandy,” “Restore the Shore,” and #RestoreTheShore. Similar to

“Power,” this trend had a substantial pre-Sandy Twitter presence with an average of

10,000 daily tweets. By including the term “Jersey Shore,” this investigation

inadvertently recorded tweets regarding the MTV reality TV show, The Jersey Shore.

This is apparent during the show’s October 26th

series finale, which resulted in a spike of

24,000 tweets in Figure 6c. However, because tweets referring to The Jersey Shore are

included in pre-Sandy norms, the “Restore the Shore” trend can still be observed by

increase/decrease values relative to its initial presence.

Following a peak on October 29, “Restore the Shore” exhibited a decreasing

pattern until November 16 when it increased by 505% of its starting value. Using Topsy

Pro, it was discovered that the most popular tweets regarding this trend were a reaction to

Lam – 17

MTV’s Restore the Shore Hurricane Sandy Telethon. The promotion of this event by

Jersey Shore cast members were broadcasted to millions of their Twitter followers and

led to nearly 64,000 related tweets on November 16. Twitter accounts with large fan

bases and response to celebrity commentary proved to have significant impacts on the

results of Stage 3. Twitter highlights popular trends on the website’s sidebar. Upon

reading popular posts, users can choose to respond with a tweet of their own or “retweet,”

which reposts the message onto their own account. These functions quicken the spread

of information and increase their popularity. For this reason, high points in Figure 6c

were analyzed for notable tweets from prominent Twitter personalities.

Trends “Help/Victims” and “Red Cross” show similar patterns to obtain relief

effort support. On October 30, both show significant spikes. This corresponds to a

popular tweet released by the official Barrack Obama account, which encouraged

Hurricane support and donations through a hyperlinked Red Cross site. When the Red

Cross account tweeted, “Text RED CROSS to 90999 to donate $10,” the aforementioned

trends once again spiked. This resulted from celebrity endorsement (including retweets)

to millions of their followers. On November 9 to November 10, tweets from Justin

Bieber’s official account resulted in the peak of “Relief/Donate.” At the time Bieber had

the largest fan base on Twitter with over 45 million followers (Johnson, 2012). On

November 9 to November 10, his Believe Tour hit New Jersey and he announced a

portion of all ticket sales would be donated to Sandy relief efforts.

The results of Stage 3 are congruent with characteristics of post-crisis behavior.

The emphasis of relief supports coping mechanisms such as participation, social

integration, and resilience that are vital to holistic recovery (Natural Hazard and Research

Lam – 18

Applications Information Center, 2002). It also identifies social media functions of

collaborative problem solving, decision-making, and information gathering (Chan, 2010).

In regards to chronology, Stage 3 trends reached high levels of popularity following

Hurricane Sandy. Unlike anticipation and experience, recovery is a timely process. This

is highlighted in the data through the sustained presence of Stage 3 trends throughout the

month following Sandy’s impact.

Although traditional psychology theories were upheld in the analysis of Hurricane

Sandy’s impact on Twitter, there are variables that were inevitably affected by the use of

new technology. This is primarily seen in Stage 3. Traditionally, a strong sense of

community, participation, and resilience arises in the aftermath of crisis (Natural Hazard

and Research Applications Information Center, 2002). Before the revolution of

communication via social media, this community was typically confined to local areas

and then federal assistance. However, with the expansiveness of the Internet, verbal and

monetary support can be provided from any location in the world. Through the

endorsement of prominent Twitter figures, relief efforts and awareness have reached

volumes unprecedented in the history of trauma recovery.

Conversely, this endorsement questions whether the data of Stage 3 reflects a

natural human reaction or if celebrity promotion has created an artificial response. It is

important to note that even traditionally, Stages 1 and 2 different from Stage 3 in that the

first two reflect individual responses. In contrast, recovery and relief are less of an

individual project and more so a combined action. Thus, the sporadic peaks of Figure 6c

are a fair representation of different measures used to rally collective support. Through

Lam – 19

this analysis, the investigation found evidence that the psychological effects of natural

disasters were in fact expressed on Twitter during Hurricane Sandy.

CONCLUSION

Applying traditional psychological theories of trauma recovery to the modern use

of social media, this study effectively concludes that the stages of anticipation,

experience, and recovery derived from Herman (2002), and Quarantelli and Dynes (1977)

were accurately portrayed on Twitter during the October 2012 disaster, Hurricane Sandy.

In regards to chronology, the findings of Stage 1 are consistent with patterns of anxiety

and the spread of information prior to the event. The influx of tweets regarding one’s

relationship to Hurricane Sandy directly correlates to Stage 2 experience. In Stage 3, the

support of relief efforts follows patterns of recovery and coping mechanisms in the

aftermath of the event.

While the stages outlined are valuable in assessing the foundations of human

response, they are not static. This investigation concluded that depending on

circumstances, the stages of anticipation, experience, and recovery largely overlap. The

first two stages exist short term while the recovery stage is maintained long term.

Additionally, traditions models do not consider the accessibility and utility of social

media in instantaneously spreading news. During this computerized era, this

investigation examined the hybridization of traditional psychology and new technology.

While holding true to traditional theories, this study showed that social media acts a

forum to produce volumes of awareness unprecedented in the history of trauma recovery.

Lam – 20

REFERENCES

Chan, J.C. (2010). The role of social media in crisis preparedness, response, and

recovery. Paris, France: Organisation for Economic Co-Operation.

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). 6 months report: Superstorm Sandy

from pre-disaster to recovery. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Homeland

Security.

Garen, Natt. (2012). Hurricane Sandy by the social media numbers. Digital Trends.

Retrieved

October 27, 2013 from: http://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/hurricane-

sandy-by-social-media-numbers/

Hackbarth, M., Pavkov, T., Wetchler, J., & Flannery, M. (2011). Natural disasters: an

assessment

of family resiliency following Hurricane Katrina. Journal of Marital and Family

Therapy, 38(2), 340-351. doi: 10.1111/j.1752-0606.2011.00227.x

Herman, J. L. (2002). Recovery from psychological trauma. Psychiatry and Clinical

Neurosciences, 52(1), 98-103. doi: 10.1046/j.1440-1819.1998.0520s5S145.x

Johnson, D. R. (2012). Social media: redefining crisis management. National Provisioner,

226(5), 10. Retrieved from:

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1022030177?accountid=11243

Mitchell, J. K., (1995). Coping with natural hazards and disasters in megacities:

perspectives on

the twenty-first century. GeoJournal , 37(3), 303-311. Retrieved from:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/41146630

National Association of State Energy Officials. (2013). Lessons learned: social media

and Hurricane Sandy. Colorado Springs, Colorado: U.S. Department of Homeland

Security.

Natural Hazard and Research Applications Information Center. (2002). Holistic disaster

recovery. Boulder, Colorado: University of Colorado.

Olanoff, D. (2012). Twitter releases numbers related to Hurricane Sandy: more than

20M tweets sent during its peak. TechCrunch. Retrieved October 29, 2013, from:

http://techcrunch.com/2012/11/02/twitter-releases-numbers-related-to-hurricane-

sandy-more-than-20m-tweets-sent-between-october-27th-and-november-1st/

Quarantelli, E. L. & Dynes, R. R. (1977). Response to social crisis and disaster. Annual

Review of Sociology, 3, 23-49. Retrieved from:

http://www.jstor.org/stable/2945929

Lam – 21

Social Flow. (2012). #Sandy: social media mapping. Social Flow. Retrieved October 27,

2013 from: http://blog.socialflow.com/post/7120245759

Varghese, S. B. (2010). Cultural, ethical, and spiritual implications of natural disasters

from the survivors’ perspective. Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America,

22(4), 515-522. doi: 10.1016/j.ccell.2010.09.005

Wahl-Alexander, Z., Sinelnikov, O.A. (2013). Using physical activity for emotional

recovery

after a natural disaster. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 84(4),

23-28. doi: 10.1080/07303084.2013.767729

Weinstein, N. D., Lyon, J. E., Rothman, A. J., & Cuite, C. L. (2000). Changes in

perceived vulnerability following natural disaster. Journal of Social and Clinical

Psychology, 19(3), 372-395. Retrieved from:

http://search.proquest.com/docview/224875562?accountid=11243

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

STAGE 1

Figure 8a: Stage 1 – Be Safe//Stay Safe

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Be Safe//Stay

Safe:

“Be Safe,”

#BeSafe,

“Stay Safe,”

#StaySafe

1 Anxiety,

precautions

Date (2012) Number of Times

Used

Oct. 22 17,433

Oct. 23 19,649

Oct. 24 23,382

Oct. 25 24,552

Oct. 26 35,558

Oct. 27 43,424

Oct. 28 161,681

Oct. 29 578,434

Oct. 30 384,705

Oct. 31 137,724

Nov. 1 58,242

Nov. 2 34,497

Nov. 3 30,668

Nov. 4 26,482

Nov. 5 28,133

Nov. 6 24,241

Nov. 7 38,130

Nov. 8 30,129

Lam – 22

Nov. 9 25,901

Nov. 10 37,332

Nov. 11 31,011

Nov. 12 22,517

Nov. 13 21,847

Nov. 14 20,298

Nov. 15 24,595

Nov. 16 27,498

Nov. 17 28,681

Nov. 18 27,238

Nov. 19 24,682

Nov. 20 28,083

Nov. 21 39,033

Nov. 22 69,244

Figure 8b: Stage 1 – Emergency

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Emergency:

“Sandy

Forecast,”

“Sandy

State,”

“Sandy

Evacuation,”

“Sandy

Prepare,”

“Sandy

Emergency”

1 Spread of

information


Used

Oct. 22 190

Oct. 23 570

Oct. 24 1,070

Oct. 25 2,400

Oct. 26 11,040

Oct. 27 10,840

Oct. 28 16,090

Oct. 29 26,250

Oct. 30 13,940

Oct. 31 7,480

Nov. 1 3,600

Nov. 2 3,360

Nov. 3 2,460

Nov. 4 3,520

Nov. 5 3,650

Nov. 6 1,840

Nov. 7 2,110

Nov. 8 1,790

Nov. 9 810

Nov. 10 400

Nov. 11 320

Nov. 12 600

Nov. 13 480

Nov. 14 520

Nov. 15 570

Lam – 23

Nov. 16 1,270

Nov. 17 410

Nov. 18 200

Nov. 19 450

Nov. 20 360

Nov. 21 450

Nov. 22 280

Figure 8c: Stage 1 – Family/Friends

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Family/

Friends:

“Friends

Sandy,”

“Family

Sandy”

1

Anxiety,

concern for

the

wellbeing of

others


Used

Oct. 22 90

Oct. 23 190

Oct. 24 630

Oct. 25 640

Oct. 26 1,140

Oct. 27 1,670

Oct. 28 9,740

Oct. 29 35,440

Oct. 30 28,950

Oct. 31 8,830

Nov. 1 4,460

Nov. 2 4,780

Nov. 3 4,030

Nov. 4 2,740

Nov. 5 2,230

Nov. 6 1,650

Nov. 7 1,320

Nov. 8 1,940

Nov. 9 1,260

Nov. 10 820

Nov. 11 640

Nov. 12 860

Nov. 13 770

Nov. 14 730

Nov. 15 670

Nov. 16 550

Nov. 17 1,620

Nov. 18 1,000

Nov. 19 570

Nov. 20 540

Nov. 21 490

Nov. 22 1,720

Lam – 24

Figure 8d: Stage 1 –

Frankenstorm/Storm

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Frankenstorm/

Storm:

“East Coast,”

“Storm,” “Frankenstorm,”

#Frankenstorm

1 Spread of

Information


Used

Oct. 22 0

Oct. 23 0

Oct. 24 0

Oct. 25 8,248

Oct. 26 57,836

Oct. 27 35,866

Oct. 28 64,500

Oct. 29 116,591

Oct. 30 40,788

Oct. 31 7,904

Nov. 1 3,372

Nov. 2 2,084

Nov. 3 1,076

Nov. 4 781

Nov. 5 760

Nov. 6 1,307

Nov. 7 536

Nov. 8 305

Nov. 9 202

Nov. 10 149

Nov. 11 127

Nov. 12 91

Nov. 13 95

Nov. 14 159

Nov. 15 259

Nov. 16 114

Nov. 17 61

Nov. 18 100

Nov. 19 75

Nov. 20 56

Nov. 21 63

Nov. 22 141

Figure 8e: Stage 1 – Thoughts/Prayers

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Thoughts/

Prayers:

“Thoughts

Sandy,”

“Prayers

Sandy,”

“Pray Sandy”

1

Anxiety,

concern for

the

wellbeing of

others


Used

Oct. 22 25

Oct. 23 90

Oct. 24 512

Lam – 25

Oct. 25 709

Oct. 26 960

Oct. 27 1,414

Oct. 28 8,146

Oct. 29 72,745

Oct. 30 91,087

Oct. 31 30,923

Nov. 1 10,759

Nov. 2 9,236

Nov. 3 7,518

Nov. 4 3,537

Nov. 5 5,942

Nov. 6 3,700

Nov. 7 2,097

Nov. 8 1,700

Nov. 9 1,240

Nov. 10 441

Nov. 11 432

Nov. 12 407

Nov. 13 368

Nov. 14 377

Nov. 15 240

Nov. 16 385

Nov. 17 2,771

Nov. 18 835

Nov. 19 273

Nov. 20 219

Nov. 21 162

Nov. 22 819

Figure 8f: Stage 1 – Weather

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Weather:

“Hurricane

Weather,”

“Sandy

Weather”

1 Spread of

information


Used

Oct. 22 382

Oct. 23 497

Oct. 24 1,263

Oct. 25 4,018

Oct. 26 7,643

Oct. 27 7,710

Oct. 28 25,103

Oct. 29 59,276

Oct. 30 28,313

Oct. 31 6,867

Nov. 1 3,888

Nov. 2 3,610

Nov. 3 1,815

Lam – 26

Nov. 4 1,823

Nov. 5 1,928

Nov. 6 1,255

Nov. 7 2,158

Nov. 8 1,622

Nov. 9 891

Nov. 10 501

Nov. 11 747

Nov. 12 1,101

Nov. 13 515

Nov. 14 354

Nov. 15 290

Nov. 16 326

Nov. 17 160

Nov. 18 183

Nov. 19 305

Nov. 20 313

Nov. 21 407

Nov. 22 789

Lam – 27

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

500,000

600,000

700,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Stay Safe//Be Safe

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Emergency

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1 N

um

be

r o

f T

ime

s U

sed

Date (2012)

Family/Friends

0 20000 40000 60000 80000

100000 120000 140000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Frankenstorm/Storm

0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 80000 90000

100000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1 N

um

be

r o

f T

ime

s U

sed

Date (2012)

Thoughts/Prayers

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9 N

um

be

r o

f T

ime

s U

sed

Date (2012)

Weather

Lam – 28

STAGE 2

Figure 9a: Stage 2 – Instagram

Trending Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Instagram:

Domain:

Instagram

“Hurricane

Sandy,”

#HurricaneSandy,

“Sandy,” #Sandy

2 Photo

sharing


Used

Oct. 22 120

Oct. 23 220

Oct. 24 580

Oct. 25 1,490

Oct. 26 3,120

Oct. 27 6,530

Oct. 28 31,010

Oct. 29 143,660

Oct. 30 142,250

Oct. 31 30,090

Nov. 1 15,230

Nov. 2 12,980

Nov. 3 13,620

Nov. 4 8,230

Nov. 5 6,120

Nov. 6 3,400

Nov. 7 2,690

Nov. 8 2,630

Nov. 9 2,300

Nov. 10 2,360

Nov. 11 1,910

Nov. 12 1,540

Nov. 13 1,440

Nov. 14 1,140

Nov. 15 1,390

Nov. 16 1,390

Nov. 17 1,290

Nov. 18 1,120

Nov. 19 850

Nov. 20 800

Nov. 21 850

Nov. 22 800

Figure 9b: Stage 2 – Power

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Power:

“Power,”

“Have

Power,” “No

“Power”,

“Lost Power”

2

Relationship

with the

event


Used

Lam – 29

Oct. 22 203,040

Oct. 23 196,320

Oct. 24 184,200

Oct. 25 193,570

Oct. 26 184,800

Oct. 27 181,030

Oct. 28 343,130

Oct. 29 1,269,000

Oct. 30 1,725,000

Oct. 31 692,040

Nov. 1 535,430

Nov. 2 527,700

Nov. 3 403,390

Nov. 4 340,290

Nov. 5 335,450

Nov. 6 303,920

Nov. 7 398,050

Nov. 8 306,700

Nov. 9 217,850

Nov. 10 186,020

Nov. 11 202,670

Nov. 12 237,570

Nov. 13 222,400

Nov. 14 245,870

Nov. 15 210,950

Nov. 16 209,900

Nov. 17 167,430

Nov. 18 197,030

Nov. 19 196,460

Nov. 20 188,350

Nov. 21 192,480

Nov. 22 173,400

Figure 9c: Stage 2 – Reaction/Weather

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Reaction/

Weather:

“Sandy Crazy,”

“Sandy Scary,”

“Sandy Rain,”

“Sandy Wind,”

“Sandy Flood,”

“Sandy

Flooding”

2

Live

reporting

and

relation

with the

event


Used

Oct. 22 90

Oct. 23 430

Oct. 24 1,720

Oct. 25 2,900

Oct. 26 4,850

Oct. 27 9,240

Oct. 28 32,850

Oct. 29 66,120

Lam – 30

Oct. 30 51,100

Oct. 31 10,470

Nov. 1 6,240

Nov. 2 6,770

Nov. 3 7,530

Nov. 4 3,120

Nov. 5 2,160

Nov. 6 1,730

Nov. 7 2,410

Nov. 8 2,050

Nov. 9 800

Nov. 10 540

Nov. 11 530

Nov. 12 680

Nov. 13 760

Nov. 14 600

Nov. 15 690

Nov. 16 740

Nov. 17 460

Nov. 18 950

Nov. 19 580

Nov. 20 440

Nov. 21 400

Nov. 22 550

Figure 9d: Stage 2 – Thanks//Fuck

You

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Thanks//Fuck

You:

“Fuck You

Sandy,”

“Thanks

Sandy,”

#ThanksSandy,

“Thank You

Sandy”

2

Reaction

and

relation to

the event


Used

Oct. 22 130

Oct. 23 240

Oct. 24 570

Oct. 25 1,290

Oct. 26 2,390

Oct. 27 3,930

Oct. 28 26,840

Oct. 29 61,620

Oct. 30 48,110

Oct. 31 14,470

Nov. 1 7,560

Nov. 2 8,130

Nov. 3 5,330

Nov. 4 3,330

Nov. 5 3,890

Nov. 6 2,470

Lam – 31

Nov. 7 3,000

Nov. 8 2,270

Nov. 9 2,010

Nov. 10 1,150

Nov. 11 910

Nov. 12 5,530

Nov. 13 2,700

Nov. 14 1,280

Nov. 15 1,130

Nov. 16 1,060

Nov. 17 710

Nov. 18 560

Nov. 19 840

Nov. 20 780

Nov. 21 710

Nov. 22 950

Figure 9e: Stage 2 –

Update/Photo/Video

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Update/

Photo/Video:

“Sandy

Update,”

“Sandy

Photo,”

“Sandy

Video”

2

Live

reporting,

photo

sharing, and

video

sharing


Used

Oct. 22 320

Oct. 23 450

Oct. 24 1,410

Oct. 25 2,540

Oct. 26 3,810

Oct. 27 5,360

Oct. 28 12,330

Oct. 29 41,950

Oct. 30 47,540

Oct. 31 19,580

Nov. 1 13,760

Nov. 2 12,230

Nov. 3 8,100

Nov. 4 5,710

Nov. 5 7,270

Nov. 6 4,990

Nov. 7 2,840

Nov. 8 4,350

Nov. 9 3,010

Nov. 10 1,450

Nov. 11 1,580

Nov. 12 2,860

Nov. 13 1,750

Lam – 32

Nov. 14 1,780

Nov. 15 1,540

Nov. 16 1,330

Nov. 17 1,030

Nov. 18 750

Nov. 19 910

Nov. 20 1,120

Nov. 21 690

Nov. 22 630

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

160,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Instagram

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Power

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Reaction/Weather

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

70000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9 N

um

be

r o

f T

ime

s U

sed

Date (2012)

Thanks//Fuck You

Lam – 33

STAGE 3

Figure 10a: Stage 3 – Help/Victims

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Help/Victims:

“Sandy Help,”

“Sandy

Victims”

3 Relief

efforts


Used

Oct. 22 33

Oct. 23 49

Oct. 24 120

Oct. 25 260

Oct. 26 760

Oct. 27 950

Oct. 28 9,230

Oct. 29 21,180

Oct. 30 51,760

Oct. 31 30,810

Nov. 1 30,550

Nov. 2 50,060

Nov. 3 56,360

Nov. 4 42,000

Nov. 5 50,530

Nov. 6 27,750

Nov. 7 21,020

Nov. 8 24,280

Nov. 9 18,040

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

40000

45000

50000

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Update/Photo/Video

Lam – 34

Nov. 10 11,840

Nov. 11 8,530

Nov. 12 10,070

Nov. 13 11,770

Nov. 14 11,970

Nov. 15 13,630

Nov. 16 9,880

Nov. 17 4,680

Nov. 18 4,360

Nov. 19 8,800

Nov. 20 5,890

Nov. 21 5,780

Nov. 22 5,140

Figure 10b: Stage 3 – Red Cross

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Red Cross:

“Red Cross,”

#RedCross

@RedCross

3 Relief

efforts


Used

Oct. 22 1,364

Oct. 23 2,028

Oct. 24 2,037

Oct. 25 2,291

Oct. 26 3,111

Oct. 27 3,023

Oct. 28 6,842

Oct. 29 19,311

Oct. 30 64,556

Oct. 31 38,503

Nov. 1 33,670

Nov. 2 54,062

Nov. 3 75,511

Nov. 4 39,801

Nov. 5 38,407

Nov. 6 19,009

Nov. 7 18,507

Nov. 8 17,753

Nov. 9 12,260

Nov. 10 9,021

Nov. 11 6,126

Nov. 12 7,405

Nov. 13 5,985

Nov. 14 5,872

Nov. 15 5,695

Nov. 16 4,643

Nov. 17 3,520

Nov. 18 2,367

Nov. 19 3,670

Lam – 35

Nov. 20 3,459

Nov. 21 3,145

Nov. 22 2,744

Figure 10c: Stage 3 – Relief/Donate

Trending

Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Relief/Donate:

“Relief Sandy,”

“Donate Sandy”

3 Relief

efforts


Used

Oct. 22 0

Oct. 23 1

Oct. 24 11

Oct. 25 19

Oct. 26 203

Oct. 27 97

Oct. 28 1,381

Oct. 29 4,515

Oct. 30 14,130

Oct. 31 15,079

Nov. 1 20,497

Nov. 2 33,169

Nov. 3 40,712

Nov. 4 34,811

Nov. 5 36,349

Nov. 6 18,316

Nov. 7 16,422

Nov. 8 28,596

Nov. 9 50,452

Nov. 10 46,737

Nov. 11 16,502

Nov. 12 30,038

Nov. 13 14,261

Nov. 14 8,882

Nov. 15 8,156

Nov. 16 7,124

Nov. 17 4,035

Nov. 18 2,716

Nov. 19 6,554

Nov. 20 5,240

Nov. 21 2,958

Nov. 22 1,771

Figure 10d: Stage 3 – Restore the

Shore

Trending Topic /

Hashtag

Associated

Psychological

Stage

Reason

Restore the

Shore:

“Jersey Shore,”

“NJ Sandy,”

“Restore the

Shore,”

#RestoreTheShore

3 Relief

efforts

Lam – 36


Used

Oct. 22 10,556

Oct. 23 9,389

Oct. 24 9,259

Oct. 25 10,052

Oct. 26 24,004

Oct. 27 10,885

Oct. 28 24,973

Oct. 29 72,627

Oct. 30 64,367

Oct. 31 37,951

Nov. 1 25,216

Nov. 2 49,865

Nov. 3 23,106

Nov. 4 22,473

Nov. 5 22,147

Nov. 6 20,907

Nov. 7 15,504

Nov. 8 15,661

Nov. 9 26,012

Nov. 10 11,559

Nov. 11 16,615

Nov. 12 13,482

Nov. 13 14,987

Nov. 14 12,253

Nov. 15 17,081

Nov. 16 63,896

Nov. 17 10,959

Nov. 18 11,284

Nov. 19 11,059

Nov. 20 10,157

Nov. 21 8,415

Nov. 22 7,633

Lam – 37

0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Help/Victims

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Red Cross

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 25

Oct

. 28

Oct

. 31

No

v. 3

No

v. 6

No

v. 9

No

v. 1

2

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

8

No

v. 2

1

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Relief/Donate

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

Oct

. 22

Oct

. 26

Oct

. 30

No

v. 3

No

v. 7

No

v. 1

1

No

v. 1

5

No

v. 1

9

Nu

mb

er

of

Tim

es

Use

d

Date (2012)

Restore the Shore

hashtagging sandy: how are the psychological effects of ... sandy... · declared an emergency for...

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