Review Saving Lives and Changing Minds with Twitter in Disasters and Pandemics: A Literature Review Hamed Seddighi 1,2,*, Ibrahim Salmani 3 and Saeideh Seddighi 4 1 Student Research Committee, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 19857138711, Iran 2 Department of Social Welfare Management, School of Educational Sciences and Social Welfare, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran 1985713871, Iran 3 Department of Health in Disaster and Emergency, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd 8916978477, Iran;
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[email protected] Received: 5 October 2020; Accepted: 2 November 2020; Published: 19 November 2020 Abstract: Twitter is a major tool for communication during emergencies and disasters. This study aimed to investigate Twitter use during natural hazards and pandemics. The included studies reported the role of Twitter in disasters triggered by natural hazards. Electronic databases were used for a comprehensive literature search to identify the records that match the mentioned inclusion criteria published through May 2020. Forty-five articles met the selection criteria and were included in the review. These indicated ten functions of Twitter in disasters, including early warning, dissemination of information, advocacy, assessment, risk communication, public sentiment, geographical analysis, charity, collaboration with influencers and building trust. Preventing the spread of misinformation is one of the most important issues in times of disaster, especially pandemics. Sharing accurate, transparent and prompt information from emergency organizations and governments can help.