More and more people are getting their news from social media. Many people fear that with so many people participating in spreading the news, there is a greater chance of misinformation being spread and that people will receive inaccurate news. So, what are the pros and cons of delivering news through social media, and how are journalists and bloggers adapting to the new trend?
All the panelists seem to agree that while there is a risk of misinformation being spread through social media, there are also benefits. The trick is to use social media wisely to enhance the accuracy of a news story, or to promote a produce or company. In today’s world, all media will have a social component to it given the nature of social media.
Abe Kwok, the online news editor of azcentral.com/The Arizona Republic feels that despite the immediacy of social media’s impact on news, traditional media can take advantage of the new information that comes through social media to make quick corrections, or to add to the story being reported. He does not think that social media increases the amount of misinformation, social media merely allows shorter shelf life for the misinformation. Also, what we see on social media such as on Twitter, are just headlines. To get any detailed information on the news, one still has to go to a traditional source. We don’t take anything out there on Facebook or Twitter as gospel.
Calvin Lee, designer of Mayhem Studios and citizen influencer feels that reporters with a social media following can also develop a brand. This may be how some audiences wish to receive their news.
Lisa Lee, co-founder of Thick Dumpling Skin and works in the diversity and inclusion department at Facebook. She feels that with social media you can see the current events imediately and get a world wide view on things. Businesses today cannot be successful without thinking ahead about its social media strategy. However, not all companies know how to use social media strategically. Companies that really know how to use social media are those that really understands how to engage a social media audience. To use social media just as a one way promotion tool won’t work. The audience or consumer must be engaged as a participant.
—Chloe Hsu, V3con blogger
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