People’s perceptions about world tsunamis are strongly influenced by experience, media and education. Tsunamis, often caused by underwater earthquakes, have the potential to destroy life and infrastructure in an instant. Often, this perception represents a mixture of fear and preparedness. Most ordinary people associate tsunamis with disaster films that dramatize the event, leaving a deep impression of the threat of this disaster. A high level of lack of understanding about the mechanisms by which tsunamis occur often makes people fixated on narratives that spread excessive fear. This lack of knowledge is very dangerous, especially in coastal countries that are vulnerable to tsunamis, such as Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. However, various government and non-government institutions continue to strive to increase awareness of the tsunami through public education programs. Education on how to identify early signs of a tsunami, evacuation routes and emergency shelters is very important. In Japan, for example, an early warning system has been implemented and strengthened by routine simulations involving various levels of society. This approach not only improves preparedness, but also changes the public’s perception of tsunamis from simply a disaster to a manageable challenge. Social media also plays an important role in shaping people’s perceptions about tsunamis. News and images from disaster-stricken areas often go viral, creating panic that can be detrimental. Meanwhile, positive news about successful recovery and preparedness often does not receive the same attention. This shows that the media contributed to shaping people’s attitudes towards the tsunami, both positive and negative. On the other hand, worries about tsunamis sometimes have a significant psychological impact. Many individuals experience persistent anxiety about the possibility of a tsunami, which can disrupt quality of life. This urges the need for a more holistic approach in dealing with the psychological impact of disasters. Communities need to be involved in disaster mitigation planning, which includes education about mental health. Finally, people’s perceptions of world tsunamis are also influenced by technological developments. Innovations in tsunami modeling and prediction are improving, giving society more information and tools to understand this threat. With mobile applications that provide real-time information, people are better prepared to face tsunamis and reduce unnecessary panic. With increased communication and better understanding of tsunamis, it is hoped that public perception will change towards a proactive attitude and better preparedness, reducing risks and increasing safety in vulnerable areas.
