Using social media as a form of communication has become wildly common in today's generations especially in the field of journalism. While there are many benefits to Facebook, Twitter, etc., it can also cause rifts in journalists personal and career lives. Many websites note the importance to practicing social media mannerisms and ideas on how to hold oneself with the public. Another step in the beginning of creating accounts is to be sure to have a personal and professional set up so one does not get wrapped up with the other. A mistake in this area could go to such extents as a journalist losing his or her job. Many professionals use these social media accounts to boost their name and become more well known among their public. This is highly beneficial to ones career in this field because the more widely known and likable a journalist is, the greater the chance of job opportunities. Studies show that reporters are increasingly focusing on building up their professional identities on social media rather than their personal identities. It has also been shown that they are being asked by their employer to change the way they are presenting themselves on social media. It has almost become a priority compared to an option in the work force.
Alongside the perk of free publicity, social media has the possibility to also be an effective form of communication. Viewers have the opportunity to get to know the journalist on a different level compared to simply watching them on television giving their reports. Journalists can connect with their audience and even give farther detail into their reports. With the development of social media it is almost necessary in this particular field because news gets out so fast in this day and age. Reporters want to be the first to cover the story and if that continues to be the case then they will work to adjust to this chosen method by a majority of the population. Rising pitfalls concerning the spreading of easily accessible articles is fake news. Recently, this has been an intriguing topic among journalists and news organizations. It has become widely known, but still commonly found within even well-known companies. Certain sources have published misinformation which leads the public to believe it is true. These articles built on falsity are important for journalists to be aware of while scoping out social media platforms so that the wrong answers are not published.
The question has been posed whether or not the development of social media will affect news websites themselves. Today people want news fast and efficiently and this has created what can be seen as a platform for journalists in social media. It may take away from visits to the website, but will increase the popularity of the reporter individually which overall will shine a brighter light on the company they work for. To make a connection, reporters can include a link in their tweet or post leading back to the website where their story is located. A small synopsis of their findings has the ability to draw the viewer in and make them care about the story as a whole. With the rise of this type of news, many more consumers are being reached who did not think to pay attention before. This opens up the possibility of attracting a different audience and creating a larger fan base. Social media comes with its pros and cons concerning its effects on journalism. It all depends on how it is used and how it becomes accessible to viewers.
Title and Links
- Reporting with Web and social media data: Some helpful tools, https://journalistsresource.org/tip-sheets/reporting/journalism-social-media-data-tools
- Social media, mobile devices and online news: 2015 data and charts that speak to digital trends, https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/news-media/social-media-mobile-devices-and-news-trends-2015-data-that-speak-to-digital-disruption
- Journalism branding: Impact on reporters' personal identities, https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/news-media/brand-journalism-impact-reporter-personal-identity
- Fake news and the spread of misinformation, https://journalistsresource.org/studies/society/internet/fake-news-conspiracy-theories-journalism-research
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