The CSIRO has introduced new social media software that promises to allow for quicker responses to crises and address mental health issues.

 

The social media analysis software is helping organisations make sense of the massive volumes of social media traffic, according to Alan Dormer, CSIRO’s Services Science Leader.

 

Mr Dormer said that trying to make sense of the sheer volume of data produced in the social media sphere is a herculean task that requires a focused approach.

 

"There are 11.5 million Facebook accounts in Australia and more than two million Twitter accounts, so analysing social media posts to find relevant information is like looking for a needle in a haystack," Mr Dormer said.

 

"It's a classic big data problem. But with our research in data mining, textual analysis and data visualisation, we're well placed to tackle it," he said.

 

So far, organisations are using the software for three main reasons – reputation management, exploring topics and issues important to the community, and early detection of emergencies or outbreaks. And it's showing promising signs of increasing efficiency and productivity.

 

Prof Allan Fels, Chair of the National Mental Health Commission, said he has found social media analysis gives his organisation insights into community thinking on mental health and wellbeing.

 

"We believe mental health and suicide prevention is an issue for all Australians. The CSIRO social media engagement tools help us identify key issues on a daily basis and provide social media reports which are easy to understand and quick to produce", he says.

 

More information is due to be revealed at CeBIT's Big Data Conference, which is being held in Sydney from 31 October to 1 November. Alan Dormer will be a panellist at the event.