[Sony Network Communications Inc.] -NURO Hikari “Survey on how to use the Internet in emergencies”
2024” – It has been found that those who have experienced disasters tend to place importance on “connections with people,” while those who have never experienced a disaster tend to place importance on “connections with information.”
*Sony Network Communications Inc.*
Press release: August 19, 2024
**
-NURO Hikari “Survey on how to use the Internet in emergencies” 2024” – It has been found that those who have experienced disasters tend to place importance on “connections with people,” while those who have never experienced a disaster tend to place importance on “connections with information.”
*During disasters in the last 10 years or so, about 70% of cases have had problems connecting to the internet, and about 80% of cases have been difficult to connect to when going out, regardless of the disaster situation.
Reiwa version [online disaster prevention manual] that summarizes “stockpiling that connects people and information” is now available* * “NURO Hikari” high-speed optical line service provided by Sony Network Communications Inc.
Continuing from last year, in advance of “Disaster Prevention Day” on September 1st, 200 people who have experienced a disaster with a seismic intensity of 6 or higher since 2011 (hereinafter referred to as “disaster experiencers”) and those who have experienced a disaster with a seismic intensity of 6 or higher will be held. We conducted an online survey on “how to use the Internet in an emergency” with a total of 400 people, including 200 people who have never experienced a disaster. *
Since disasters such as large-scale earthquakes and floods are expected to occur in 2024, it is a good time to reconsider how we connect people and information in preparation for emergencies. In this second survey following last year, we conducted a new survey targeting people who had experienced disasters, and found that approximately 70% of them had poor internet connectivity at the time of the disaster. Furthermore, there was a difference in the internet connection status between when people were at home and when they were out, with approximately 80% of those who were out experiencing problems with their internet connection.
In addition, when we asked people who had experienced a disaster and people who had never experienced a disaster about the things that would make them feel anxious if they were to be affected by a disaster, the people who had experienced a disaster said, “I can’t use communication tools,” whereas the people who had never
experienced a disaster said, “I can’t search for information.” A new trend has been discovered in which people feel anxious about things they can’t do.
In order to connect with people and information in the event of a disaster, daily checks and advance measures are important. However, only 2.5% of respondents in the survey said they had measures in place in case they were unable to connect to the internet. Continuing from last year, Sony Network Communications has released the Reiwa version of the “Online Disaster Prevention Manual,” introducing techniques for “stockpiling to connect people and information” in preparation for emergencies.
* -Summary of survey results-*
* TOPIC 1. * It was found that 70% of people who had experienced a disaster had poor internet connectivity at the time of the disaster. Approximately 50% of those who were home at the time of the disaster and approximately 80% of those who were out of the house answered that their internet connection had been disrupted. Since we don’t know when or where a disaster will strike, it is necessary to have a “connected stockpiling” method that allows for both home and out-of-home situations.
* TOPIC2. *
Approximately 90% of respondents said they would feel anxious if they could not connect to the Internet during a disaster. In this environment, many people who have experienced disasters answered that they were worried about not being able to use communication tools, whereas many people who had never experienced a disaster predicted that they would be worried about not being able to search for information. There was a discrepancy between anxiety caused by “actual experience” and “predictions due to inexperience.”
* TOPIC 3. * Earthquakes and floods continue, and 80% of respondents said they have become more cautious about disasters.
Additionally, the number of people who are aware that there is a high probability of a major earthquake occurring within 30 years has increased by 10% from last year’s survey.
Although it can be said that disaster prevention awareness is increasing, only 2.5% of respondents answered that they have measures in place in case they are unable to connect to the internet.
* [The latest “stockpiling technology that connects people and information” supervised by experts] *
When it comes to disaster prevention, it is most important to anticipate and prepare for disasters. Techniques for “stockpiling to connect with people” even when there is no internet connection during a disaster
are summarized in the Reiwa version of the “Online Disaster Prevention Manual.” This manual is prepared by preparedness and disaster prevention advisor Sonael Works Representative
Supervised by Tomoya Takane and IT journalist Toshiyuki Inoue. We also received messages from both of them about their preparedness.
* -Reiwa version “Online Disaster Prevention Manual” URL- *
https://www.sonynetwork.co.jp/corporation/sustainability/socialactivities/anti-disaster/
* -Measures to connect people and information during disasters-* – Securing the means of “information gathering” and “safety confirmation” that are important in preparing to protect lives – In order to use smartphones (hereinafter referred to as
smartphones) in emergencies, it is important to know how to save power and secure a charging method.
– Know in advance the communication methods that can be used in the event of a disaster and use them calmly.
– Anticipate the possibility that the internet may become
unavailable due to a disaster while you are out, so manage your family’s contact information using non-digital tools.
* -Survey overview-*
Research method: Internet survey
Survey name: * NURO Hikari “Survey on how to use the Internet in emergencies 2024” *
Survey period: July 9, 2024 to July 10, 2024
Target audience: 1. 200 men and women in their 20s or older nationwide who have experienced earthquakes with an intensity of 6 or higher since 2011.
2. 200 men and women in their 20s and above who have never experienced an earthquake with an intensity of 6 or higher
* -Request when quoting or reprinting this release-*
When quoting survey results, please cite the “Sony Network
Communications” survey as the source.
* [Survey results details]*
* TOPIC1.*
* It was found that 70% of people who experienced a disaster had poor internet connectivity at the time of the disaster. *
*
Approximately 50% of those who were home at the time of the disaster and approximately 80% of those who were out of the house answered that their internet connection had been disrupted. Since we don’t know when or where a disaster will strike, it is necessary to have a “connected stockpiling” method that allows for both home and out-of-home situations. *
When we asked disaster survivors where they were when the disaster struck, we found that almost the same number of respondents said they were at home or out of the house. (Home: 40.0%, Going out: 42.9%) When asked about the internet connection status at the time, 38.0% answered “I couldn’t connect” and 33.5% answered “It was difficult to connect”, about 70%.
It was revealed that (71.5%) felt that the internet connection environment at the time of the disaster was inconvenient.
Furthermore, approximately 50% (55.6%) of those who were at home at the time of the disaster and approximately 80% (80.7%) of those who were out of the house answered that they had experienced problems with their internet connection.
Since it is difficult to have a sufficient internet environment regardless of whether you are at home or away from home, it is necessary to know how to “connect and stockpile” in case of a disaster.
*TOPIC2.*
* Approximately 90% of respondents said they would feel anxious if they could not connect to the Internet during a disaster. *
*
In this environment, many people who have experienced disasters answered that they were worried about not being able to use
communication tools, whereas many people who had never experienced a disaster predicted that they would be worried about not being able to search for information. There was a discrepancy between anxiety caused by “actual experience” and “predictions due to inexperience.” * Approximately 90% of respondents said they would be worried if they could not connect to the internet during a disaster.
(88.1%). The most frequently cited reason for anxiety was “I can’t use communication tools and can’t confirm the safety of my family, friends, colleagues, etc.”
(58.8%)
Furthermore, when comparing the main reasons for anxiety between those who have experienced a disaster and those who have never experienced a disaster, the top answer for those who have experienced a disaster is “not being able to use communication tools,” while the answer for those who have never experienced a disaster is “not being able to search for information.” ” was the most prominent response, indicating that there is a discrepancy between anxiety caused by “actual experience” and “forecasts due to inexperience.” As can be seen from the fact that those who experienced disasters were most concerned about not being able to use communication tools, it is important to keep in touch with people using handwritten notes and other non-digital tools in case their personal use of the Internet is restricted. Management, understanding evacuation centers where computers are installed, etc.
The technique of “stockpiling that connects people and information” is once again considered to be important.
*TOPIC3.*
* 80% of the respondents said they had a heightened sense of caution against disasters due to a series of disasters such as earthquakes and floods. *
*
Additionally, the number of people who are aware that there is a high probability of a major earthquake occurring within 30 years has increased by 10% from last year’s survey. Although it can be said that disaster prevention awareness is increasing, only 2.5% of respondents answered that they have measures in place in the event of a loss of internet connection. *
As many disasters such as earthquakes and floods have occurred since the beginning of this year, when asked about their awareness of disasters compared to last year, 19.0% said they were “very wary” and 56.0% said they were “very wary”. Approximately 80% (75.0%) responded that they had become more cautious.
Furthermore, when asked whether they knew that large earthquakes such as the Nankai Trough and the Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake are expected to occur with a high probability in the past 30 years, 80.8% answered “I know,” and last year (74.3%) ), the awareness of disaster alertness increased by about 10%.
While it became clear that people are becoming more wary of disasters, only 2.5% of respondents said they had actually taken measures to prepare for situations in which the Internet would be disconnected during a disaster.
* ■ Results of an awareness survey regarding “connected stockpiling” techniques* Disaster apps are effective for gathering information during disasters, as they allow you to obtain information on evacuation orders, weather warnings, and earthquake early warnings. When asked about the installation status of disaster relief apps, 25.3% answered that they had installed them, an increase of 4% from last year. In addition, 68.3% of those who had disaster preparedness apps installed actually used the apps in preparation for disasters.
When asked if they had equipment to charge their smartphones ready in order to “stockpile electricity” in the event of a power outage during a disaster, 57.3% answered “I have,” indicating that measures are more advanced than last year (50.8%). I was there. Next, when asked about the charging equipment they actually have, the overwhelming majority said “repetitively rechargeable mobile batteries” (58.5%), followed by “dry cell type mobile batteries” (16.6%), and “mobile batteries with no power outlet”. The result was “Usable portable power source” (10.9%).
“00000JAPAN” (Five Zero Japan), a public wireless LAN service provided by mobile carriers for free during disasters, allows you to access the Internet even if your smartphone is out of range. Public wireless LAN service
Only 13.8% of respondents said they knew about “00000JAPAN,” which was about the same level of awareness as last year’s survey (11.5%). 17.3% of respondents answered that they regularly check the locations where public wireless LAN “00000JAPAN” is provided, such as convenience stores and stations, which was also similar to last year (15.8%).
* *
Experts will explain what to do when a disaster occurs and what you can do to prepare now.
* ■Preparation/Disaster Prevention Advisor Sonael Works Representative Tomoya Takane*
* Fear of communication cut-off in a society where “always-on connectivity” is the norm *
The Internet used to be about “connecting with a purpose,” but with the spread of broadband, including optical fiber lines, and
smartphones, “always-on connectivity” has become the norm. There is a saying that says, “No news is good news,” but these days, the situation is changing to “No news is good news.” In a society where such constant connectivity has become the norm, we have come to feel a great deal of anxiety about severing the connections between people in the event of a disaster.
According to the survey results, 90% of people are worried about not being able to connect to the internet during a disaster, and those who have experienced a disaster are especially worried about not being able to use communication tools. This shows that communication methods are becoming increasingly important in modern society, where it has become commonplace to always be able to check on the status of those around you. During a disaster, a mountain of worries arise, but it is important to maintain a means of communication as a measure to alleviate some of that anxiety.
* Maintaining information means is important, but individual countermeasures are still not progressing *
Approximately 80% of people answered that they have become more wary of disasters following the 2024 earthquake, but only 2.5% have taken specific measures to communicate. Many people feel anxious about losing their means of communication, but are unable to take concrete measures.
To fill this gap, measures are needed for information and
communication during disasters. For example, it is effective to have a mobile battery, dry battery charger, and portable power source. It is also recommended to use the disaster power dial 171, the public wireless LAN “00000JAPAN”, and the use of dual SIM lines. Conducting fixed-point surveys of the status of these measures through this survey is also very effective from a disaster prevention perspective.
* “Disaster prevention of communication and information” is essential to relieve stress and protect lives during disasters *
* From peacetime, check the Reiwa version of the “Online Disaster Prevention Manual” for “stockpiling that connects people and information” *
With the spread of smartphones and SNS, disaster situations are reported instantly, and even if you are not affected by the disaster, being unable to contact your family or check on the safety of your friends can be a stressful situation. Connecting with family and friends during a disaster reduces anxiety and stress for both parties. Gathering information is also important as an action to protect lives. In modern times, always-on connectivity has become the norm, so it is important to prepare to avoid losing this connection.
The Reiwa version of the “Online Disaster Prevention Manual” includes techniques for “stockpiling that connects people and information” that should be carried out during peacetime.
We have compiled a list of these, so please take some measures, especially when it comes to maintaining your smartphone.
* ■IT journalist Toshiyuki Inoue*
* In the event of a disaster, don’t waste your “limited
communications” in a hurry and concentrate on actions that will save your life. *
In the event of a disaster such as a major earthquake or heavy rain, it is assumed that communication base stations will also be damaged or may not function due to power outages. With the addition of problems such as concentration of communication, it is expected that it will be even more difficult to connect than usual.
In this survey, more than 70% of people who experienced disasters faced difficulties connecting to the internet. Approximately half of those who were at home and approximately 80% of those who were out of the house said they had problems connecting to the internet. In such a situation, there is a possibility that messages from people facing life-threatening danger, as well as emergency communications from local governments and public institutions, may be affected.
It is said that in the event of a large-scale disaster, “six hours without internet connection will save the lives of disaster victims.” “Limited communication”
If a life-threatening situation can be avoided for the time being, people should refrain from using telephones and internet data communications as much as possible, and focus on life-saving actions such as moving to evacuation centers. please. When it becomes possible to communicate, stay calm and pay attention to conserving your battery so that you can make the minimum necessary communications such as confirming your safety.
According to the scenario released by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in the event of a large-scale earthquake, it is estimated that it will take seven days for communications to be restored to some extent. In the past, there have been cases where some
telecommunications companies were able to restore the connection within 3 to 5 days, but you should expect it to take about a week to be able to connect without stress.
It is also expected that the timing of recovery will differ depending on the carrier, depending on various circumstances such as the degree of damage. If your family owns multiple mobile devices, you may want to consider signing up for one with a different carrier in case of an emergency.
* Don’t be fooled by rumors or fake news, and try to use the internet in a way that doesn’t interfere with relief efforts. *
This survey revealed that approximately 90% of people feel anxious about not being able to connect to the internet during a disaster. Those who have experienced disasters cite the inability to use communication tools such as SNS as reasons for their anxiety, and those who have not experienced disasters may not be able to search for information.
However, if you go to an evacuation center or government office, information about the safety, weather, and current situation will be posted by the government, and you can also learn about the current situation from the television and newspapers provided.
Furthermore, just because you can connect to the internet doesn’t mean it’s safe. Recently, there have been many rumors and fake news taking advantage of disasters, and images and videos that are difficult to distinguish between authenticity and falsehood using AI are being spread. Public institutions are also sounding the alarm.
In the event of a disaster, your top priority is to protect your life and the lives of those around you. If you don’t have the means to check for false rumors or fake news and simply spread the information you see, there is a risk that truly useful information will be lost. When disseminating information, be sure to pay close attention to the urgency and necessity, try not to interfere with rescue and relief efforts for disaster victims, and prioritize connecting people close to you with the information you need.
* [About the Reiwa version of the “Online Disaster Prevention Manual”] * This manual was created under the supervision of experts in the disaster prevention and Internet fields, regardless of the location of the disaster or the Internet connection status.
This is a collection of techniques for “stockpiling that connects people and information.” In addition to viewing on your computer or smartphone, you can also download it in PDF format. By printing it out and keeping it handy, you can refer to it even in environments where there is no internet connection.
https://www.sonynetwork.co.jp/corporation/sustainability/socialactivities/anti-disaster/