Effective Factors in Acceptance of Information Technology and Social Networks for Presenting Passive Defense Strategies

Awareness, information and preparedness are important passive defense strategies against earthquake. Information technology and social networks attract much attention in many areas especially in education. To the best of our knowledge the effects of information and communication technology (ICT) and social networks on passive defense strategies for disasters such as earthquakes have not been investigated in Iran. This study, investigates the effect of ICT and social networks on passive defense strategies including preparedness, awareness and risk reduction. 400 individuals which are selected randomly in Torbat Heydarieh city form the statistical population. SPSS and PLS softwares are used to analyse the hypotheses and variables of the research. The results of the study show that preparedness planning has positive and significant relationships with awareness, survival preparedness, and hazard mitigation. Age, income, education and acquired knowledge about earthquakes also hold significant relationships with awareness. In addition, attitude and perceived ease of use have a positive and significant effect through perceived usefulness on the intention to use the Internet, Telegram, and television to acquire knowledge about earthquakes.