I believe that social media to some extent has improved the quality of the news, but there have also been some very serious negative effects that have decreased the quality of the news. Any one with a computer or a mobile device can gain access to the news instantaneously which makes us more informed at a much faster rate. People also have access to the news through social media sites such as Facebook. News sites are also allowing people to submit feedback on their stories so that people feel that they can make a connection to the story or the comments make the new much more interesting to read.
Also because anyone can produce and distribute news nationally and not just acclaimed journalists, we now have access to stories that main stream media would not cover. On the down side, because anyone can report the news on-line, it can and has caused some very serious negative consequences that have decreased the quality of the news. People can report the news without all the facts so therefore the readers may be misinformed.
Example: Money.co.uk posted a story entitled ‘13 Year Old Steals Dad’s Credit Card to Buy Hookers‘. The story reported that a 13 year old ordered a credit card through his father’s existing credit card company and then treated him and his friends to a $30,000 spending spree involving him, his friends, an xbox and of course, the hookers. The story was completely fabricated though it generated a lot of traffic for the site since it was picked up by a lot of mainstream news publications (online and offline).
Credibility is something which is very delicate. It can take years to build up a good reputation and minutes to throw it all away.
The problem with this story was that it wasn’t posted on a satirical site, it was posted on a serious site about financial issues where the reader had no reason to believe that the story was fake . How can your readers trust you after you have misled them in order to get some extra traffic?
Also on many sites people can remain anonymous and do not have to identify themselves unlike credible journalists that try to get all the facts before they report a story. I believe that this can cause the news to become biased or based on unsubstantiated claims. Some people think that there should be no barriers and print what ever they want and I think this has diminished the quality of the news.
I also think that some people using social networking sites reporting news are invading people’s privacy, which could have very serious negative effects.
I also think that some people using social networking sites reporting news are invading people’s privacy, which could have very serious negative effects.
Example: September 20, 2010 8:55 pm by JChandler in News & Politics
A young girl's life and the life of her family were irrevocably changed as she endured rape by an 18-year-old boy and allegedly others. Meanwhile, one 16-year-old male filmed and then posted the images, sharing with people in his life and beyond. Despite efforts by police and Facebook monitors, it seems there is no way to stop the images from circulating, further victimizing this poor girl and her family. It is viral, and in its truest definition has infected and continues to infect our lives in ways we may not clearly be able to comprehend.
I think we have entered into a time when people capture everything on film or in print with no civil or moral compass and don't consider the consequences. The re-victimization of this girl continues because we have a society that has broken all the concepts normally associated with dignity, civility and respect.
References
Muldoon, K. (2010). Are fake stories hurting bloggers credibility?. Retrieved from http://www.bloggingtips.com/2008/05/29/are-fake-stories-hurting-bloggers-credibility/
Chandler, J. (2010, Sept 20). Rape survivor further victimized by facebook. Retrieved from http://www.blogher.com/internet-its-role-victimization
Although I posted that I think that the quality of news has increased, I can't disagree with you. I guess it all depends on whose hands the stories are in, right? I mean that 16 year old boy really had no business sending or posting those images however he did. It all comes down to having a conscience.
ReplyDeleteAmber, I am in agreement with you in the face that social media has allowed us to have access to the internet and news sites from almost any place and at any time. The internet is now so available that we can get it on our mobile phones. I also agree that even tough it has increased the quantity it has decreased the quality because anybody can post anything. The example about the thirteen year old boy who spent $30,000 and bought hookers is a great example of how a story can be made in someone’s head and then by word of mouth gets misconstrued as a real story. Was a very good read with great examples.
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