The Activation of Core Social Networks in the Wake of the 22 July Oslo Bombing

This paper examines how core social networks were activated in the wake of the bombing in Oslo on July 22, 2011. Empirical mobile traffic data illuminate exceptional behavior, just after the bombing in Oslo. We find that in the minutes after the bombing people called ties that were (1) close socially and (2) perceived to be in danger, that is, people who were close to the bombing point. Our main findings: (1) individuals first focus on their single closest contact (´best friend´), but, soon after, switch to spending more mobile communication resources than average on contacts ranked 2 - 5. (2) we see clearly a large increase (over typical) in traffic to and from, and not least within, the affected area (Oslo) -- in some cases more than a 300% increase, right after the bombing. Interestingly, we also find a marked increase in traffic for relationships where both persons were outside of Oslo. All these results illustrate the importance of social contact in this highly unusual situation. This paper underscores how the mobile phone is an instrument of the intimate sphere. The situation on the 22nd of July in Oslo is a prime example of an unexpected situation, where individuals use the mobile to get critical information on their loved ones in their core network.