Social media can save lives but not stop disasters, say academic

Social networks like Twitter cannot help prevent disasters but can quickly correct misinformation resulting from false rumours preventing possible further loss of lives, a leading researcher will tell a public debate on 25th October at the Cambridge Festival of Ideas.

Business weekly reports that the debate focuses on whether governments, scientists and aid agencies can manage the risks of living in potentially lethal locations. The research programme is looking at how to prepare the UK better for disasters, through, for instance, cell broadcasting and community education, and is looking at lessons that can be learnt from the past.