Undeniable. Social Media is the News.

The evolution of social media as a news conductor has increased over the last decade. The immediacy of social media is what makes it such an effective tool in providing vital news and content.

Television used to be the primary way many people gathered their news. During the course of a day people don’t have access to their television like they do their cell phone. The cell phone travels with us everywhere we go. It’s true. During someone’s lunch break they can glide through their social media and see what is going on in the world. People now don’t have to wait until they get off work to get informed on the daily news.

While I was at work I found out about NFL quarterback, Andrew Luck’s retirement through Twitter. NFL insider, Adam Schefter tweeted about the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck.

With my Twitter notifications on, I see a massive sports story from my workplace. The power of this example shows the immediacy of social media and how it is a great utility to be a part of.

Another way social media has changed the way news is fed is by creating an active audience. Immediate feedback is possible. A prominent person’s tweets or actions are open to potential backlash by the masses. Former United States President, Donald Trump’s twitter was host to many tweet responses that bashed his actions or supported them.

When talking about social media’s impact on journalism, “Think of journalism as a conversation, rather than a lecture.” The audience is more involved than ever and can even sometimes create their own news.

If a mass shooting would to occur, a person in proximity could pull out their phone, begin to record, and distribute the video. That is social media’s influence on journalism and news right there.

I am excited to continue to learn how social media and technology advancements continue to shape news and journalism.