Social Media & The News: Friend or Foe? / Sunday, 12 October 2014

It’s no surprise that Social Media has had an impact on the way we view, obtain, and distribute news. While it has many advantages and disadvantages that it can bring to the news industry, it’s important to embrace these changes and make the best of the situation in order to enhance it rather than impair it.



In 2010, almost 40% of Internet users contributed to creating news content. It’s safe to assume that number has drastically increased over the last 4 years as social media is on the rise. Many news stations and networks have embraced user-generated news and even created programs where users who have experienced an event first hand are able to submit content such as photos, videos, and statements. (CTV has ‘My News’, CNN - ‘iReport’, National Post makes use of hashtags for a variety of issues where users can submit related photos. The list goes on), While the quality of the content as well isn’t always the best in terms of skill levels, the content allows viewers to really understand what the situation was like to see photos and videos from someone who experienced it first hand.



Social media has also made it possible for news to travel much faster and reach a wider audience People who normally wouldn’t pick up a newspaper are hearing about issues that they wouldn’t otherwise. It has aided in getting stories out where media coverage is limited, (IE the Ferguson riots when a media ban was in place) which can increase the quality of the news.

However citizen journalism still can decrease the quality of news to a degree. Inaccurate information is more likely to be published, and content may be too controversial or disturbing for some readers as it is hard to monitor everything that is put on the Internet. Privacy can also be violated or sometimes and not every user is educated in privacy or copyright laws. It's important to use judgment with what you're reading.



Regardless, I feel overall social media has enhanced the news. It allows for a wider range of audiences, distributes the news quickly and effectively directly from the source to the viewer. It has allowed people to feel as thought they are right there experiencing the event and has enabled the community to get involved and share their story – and isn’t that one of the main objectives of the news anyways?

Links & Resources for this topic:
Roy Morejon: Social Media & The News: An Infographic
ING: 2014 Study - The Impact of Social Media on the News
Mashable: How Social Media is Taking over the News Industry
Twitter Blog: Twitter is Taking Over Breaking News Traffic
Journalism.org: News Use Across Social Media Platforms
Mashable: Breaking News Tweets That Change Twitter Forever

Social Media: Just a fad or here to stay? / Tuesday, 9 September 2014

Social media has given people the ability to create and distribute their own content to an audience and sparks conversation.  While certain social media networks and tools may come and go (there will always be something new and better), social media as a mass is here to stay. It has changed the way we are able to communicate with one another and companies are able to target specific audiences and interact with the consumer.

Through social media we are able to connect with people all over the world with similar interests. As a freelance graphic designer & web developer being active on social media and having a blog has definitely aided me in gaining clients. Bloggers, entrepreneurs and companies are able to find designers whose style and ascetics fit with their branding and company's image. It doesn’t stop with just designers though; social media has helped a wide variety of professionals in various industries across the globe to get their name out there and build valuable connections.

Companies use social media to influence our choices and what we buy. By interacting with us through social media it helps create brand loyalty. I know that I am more likely to purchase something from a company if they have a strong social media presence and relationship with their customers.

Above all else, social media is just plain, simple fun. It’s fun to be able to share photos, videos and your day with everyone. It is a great way to stay in touch, especially with friends & family who may live far away or even in a different country. It has helped people connect and communicate from across the globe. Social media has the ability to build meaningful connections; many people find their partners through dating websites. It has revolutionized the way we are able to connect with one another.

I truly believe that social media is here to stay and personally consider it to be the biggest thing since the Industrial Revolution. Years from now, social media may not exist in the exact same format as it is does today as the digital age is constantly evolving and improving itself. There will always be the next big thing in terms of applications and networks – but social media as a culture isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It can only get bigger.

Still not convinced? Check out these articles:
Forbes: 3 Ways Social Media Is Driving A Business Revolution
Entrepreneur: Who Is Using Social Media and How
Forbes: The Internet Revolution Is The New Industrial Revolution
Business Insider: How Companies Are Using Social Media To Become More Customer-Centric

Test Post / Friday, 5 September 2014

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