Final answer:
It's important to leverage social media influencers during a crisis because they have a dedicated following and can quickly disseminate information and reassurance to a large audience, building on their trust and established platforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why is it important to leverage social media influencers when communicating during a crisis? The correct answer is B. Influencers have a dedicated following. Leveraging social media influencers in crisis communication is crucial because of their ability to reach a large and engaged audience quickly.
These influencers have built a level of trust with their followers, and as a result, their recommendations and statements can have a significant impact. Through their established platforms, influencers can disseminate information rapidly and effectively, ensuring that the correct message is communicated to the public. This can be especially important when seeking to inform and reassure an audience during uncertain times.
Influencers can become leaders in the preliminary stage of an issue as they alert their followers about an emerging cause, spreading awareness rapidly. Additionally, in the context of political communication, social media enables candidates and public figures to bypass traditional media and reach the public directly. This direct communication can be used to control their image and influence public perception. It is also notable that the credibility of the information provided by influencers is essential as it maintains the trust of the audience and avoids manipulation.