The aftermath of Hurricane Helene saw North Carolina become a trending subject among social media platforms. Social media is a tool, and as such can be used in both positive and negative ways. Over the months spanning after Hurricane Helene’s landfall across the West of NC, the affected people were subject to both types of use.

NCDPS, or the NC Department of Public Safety recorded many instances of false information being perpetuated on the web. The page I’m utilizing acts as a “MythBusters” page, showing stories and fact checking them. For instance, the page puts forward the rumor that current recovery efforts are motivated by a “land grab” initiative by the state. The website shuts down those rumors by stating “The state and local governments are not taking land from property owners. If a property owner wishes to explore the possibility of a buyout or property acquisition as part of the Hazard Mitigation program, they must apply for the program.” This implies the land owner must initiate the buyout process in this situation. The page also discredits another rumor that claims children are being taken from families. They state: “This is not true. Neither the Red Cross nor the State of North Carolina are taking custody of children because a family has a damaged or destroyed home.”

While the general public may be using social media to forward political agendas and potentially perpetuate fear, there are those using it to push resources, contribution links, and life-saving information. This link, posted under a story of Ashville’s destruction totaling over 200k likes, provides a donation link for families in need: https://x.com/extrafabulous/status/1840409663327625512. Without external donations, some families would be in more dire situations than they are because of social media’s help.

While it’s difficult to determine the net impact as positive or negative, social media did have a massive effect on recovery efforts in NC after Hurricane Helene. Personally, I believe more targeted uses of social media as a tool for assistance could help communities isolated from the world from natural disasters in the future.

Citations:
“What Does Emergency Management Do during and after a Disaster?” NC DPS, www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helene/ground-truth-facts-helene-response#AreauthoritiestakingchildrenfromfamiliesiftheyhavenoshelterduetoHelene-8438. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
X.Com, x.com/extrafabulous/status/1840227881928048772. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.