Charlton, D.H.; Lawson, R.V.; Harrison, S.E. 2025 . The use of the social media platform Twitter after the 5.7 MW Taupō earthquake, 30 November 2022. Lower Hutt, NZ.: Earth Sciences New Zealand. GNS Science report 2025/22. 44 p.; doi: 10.21420/P0KS-Q721
Social media platforms like Twitter (now X) offer a rapid and efficient means to study public discourse and discussion during and after hazard events, providing an advantage over time-intensive traditional surveys. This study analyses 1091 Twitter posts from the week following the 5.7 Mw Taupō earthquake on 30 November 2022, which occurred amidst volcanic unrest at Taupō volcano. We conducted thematic, content and semantic analyses to understand information dissemination, sense-making and public discussion after this earthquake. Users of Twitter used the social media platform in various ways following the event. Our findings reveal that 91% of Twitter post activity originated from the public, followed by scientists, responding agencies and other organisations. The primary function of posts was information sharing (53%), followed by discussions (36%) and information seeking (11%). News and official agencies primarily re shared GeoNet posts, Volcanic Activity Bulletins and external links. Within these posts, we identified 11 themes, including individuals sharing personal experiences, protective actions, preparedness, volcanic alert levels, perceived connections to other geological events, impacts, earthquake forecasts and technical earthquake and aftershock details. Throughout the week following the mainshock, topics of conversation changed. Initially, posts were concerned about the safety of residents in the area, both from outside the impacted areas and from individuals sharing personal experiences of the shaking affecting their sleep, homes and emotions. Later, an increasing proportion of the posts each day discussed the impacts of the earthquake and connections with other events. Taupō volcano was explicitly mentioned in 15% of posts. Overall, sentiment was neutral to negative, with users expressing fear, annoyance and concern, although negative sentiment decreased over time. This research highlights the interplay between natural hazards and social reaction, showing how the geological event of an earthquake rapidly shaped public discourse and sense-making processes on Twitter. The event also highlighted how the wider scientific community played a significant role by providing expert commentary and referencing official Volcanic Activity Bulletins, contributing to a more informed discussion. By investigating the themes and emotional content of Twitter posts, we gained a deeper understanding of how individuals process risk, seek information and connect geological phenomena of earthquakes and volcanoes. This not only offers valuable insights for hazard and risk communication in Aotearoa New Zealand but also underscores the broader sociological implications of living in seismically and volcanically active regions (auths)
