If the Organizations Won't Give Us Information: The Use of Multiple New Media for Crisis Technical Translation and Dialogue

Authors:

• Keri K. Stephens (Univ of Texas, Austin)
• Patty Callish Malone (California State Univ, Fullerton)

Abstract:

This study focuses on using new media to communicate technical details during a recall crisis. A content analysis of blogs, Websites, news articles, and press releases reveals that when individuals impacted by the crisis desire emotional support--most frequently found in blogs,--they do not include any types of technical translation in their messages. Yet when they want rectification, they use more elaborate forms of technical translation. Organizational use of technical translation is also discussed.