Santorini’s Crisis Sparks A Troubling Narrative On Social Media
Santorini, one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world, is currently experiencing hundreds of earthquakes, sparking fears of potential volcanic activity. However, while locals worry about their safety and livelihoods, social media commenters has focused on the island’s reputation as a luxury getaway rather than the reality of the people who live there.
Santorini’s Seismic History
Santorini’s relationship with seismic activity dates back millennia. The island’s distinctive crescent shape resulted from one of the largest volcanic eruptions in recorded history, occurring around 1600 BCE. This Minoan eruption fundamentally transformed the landscape and potentially contributed to the decline of the Minoan civilization.
More recently, significant seismic events have included the 1956 Amorgos earthquake (magnitude 7.8), multiple smaller earthquakes throughout the 20th century and regular minor tremors that remind us of the island’s volcanic nature. But nothing on the scale like this recent activity.
A Lack of Empathy for Locals
The latest series of earthquakes has prompted varied reactions from the international community. And comments on social media bring to light the sad reality about our relationship with tourist destinations.
Rather than expressing concern for residents, many online comments dismiss the impact of the earthquakes, framing Santorini as nothing more than a vacation spot. One commenter bluntly stated, “Santorini is the caldera of a dormant volcano. If it blows, sayonara.” Another remarked, “It sets on an active volcano. What do you expect?”
Some even took a cynical approach to the situation, questioning why anyone would live on the island at all. “Why would anyone live on a small island?” wrote one user. Others made fun of the situation with comments like, “The Santorini Steps are about to become the Santorini Falls.”
The perception of Santorini as a high-end tourist destination rather than a place where people actually live is proved by comments like, “They offering any discounted rates on local vacation properties?”
The Reality for Residents
This online reaction raises a bigger question: why is there a tendency to dehumanize residents of popular tourist destinations? Santorini may be a picturesque location visited by millions, but it is also home to thousands of people who work, raise families, and experience crises just like anywhere else.
The current earthquakes serve as a reminder that beyond the glossy Instagram photos and romantic sunset views, real people live here—and they deserve our empathy.
For those living on the island, the earthquakes are a genuine cause for fear. Some are already trying to evacuate, but the process has been difficult. “People are trying to evacuate, planes are full, they brought in a few more for them but not enough… they are charging a huge fee. Some are lucky enough to get out by ferry,” one commenter shared.
Others are calling for compassion. “They need prayers, not criticism about where they live.”
The current situation in Santorini should serve as a reminder that popular tourist destinations are also home to real communities facing real challenges. Whether it’s volcanic activity in Santorini, rising sea levels in Venice, or erosion in the Maldives, these places deserve our attention and concern not just during our visits, but as part of our ongoing commitment to global citizenship.
Perhaps it’s time we viewed these destinations through a lens that extends beyond our vacation photos.
As we monitor the ongoing situation, it’s crucial to remember that while Santorini’s stunning views and sunset spots make it a dream destination for millions, it’s also home to thousands who navigate its geological realities every day. Perhaps this crisis can help us develop a more nuanced and responsible approach to how we view and interact with the places we visit.
The true measure of our connection to these destinations shouldn’t just be in the photos we take or the memories we make, but in our understanding and support of the communities that make these places truly special, both during crises and in times of calm.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.