Social Work

Emotional contagion on social media and the simulation of intervention strategies after a disaster event: a modeling study

M. Chu, W. Song, et al.

This research explores the dynamics of emotional contagion on social media in the aftermath of the devastating Longcaogou flash flood in China. The authors, Meijie Chu, Wentao Song, Zeyu Zhao, Tianmu Chen, and Yi-chen Chiang, reveal that negative emotions are more persistent and contagious than positive ones. Strategies deployed can significantly influence the emotional landscape online, reducing negativity while boosting positivity following disasters.

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Abstract

This study investigated emotional contagion on social media following a natural disaster, using data from the 8-13 flash flood in Longcaogou, China. A dynamic model was developed to analyze emotional spread and simulate intervention strategies. Results showed negative emotions were more persistent and contagious than positive emotions. Reducing negative posts by half could decrease negative comments by 14.97% and positive comments by 7.17%. Simultaneously reducing negative and increasing positive posts further improved the ratio of positive to negative comments. The findings offer theoretical and practical implications for managing online public opinion after disasters.

Publisher

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS

Published On

Jul 27, 2024

Authors

Meijie Chu, Wentao Song, Zeyu Zhao, Tianmu Chen, Yi-chen Chiang

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