How Journalists Use Social Media

In the digital age, everyone uses social media. Smart phones, computers and TVs allow for quick installation of social media apps. A study released by the Pew Research Center, titled “State of the News Media 2016,” shows that 48 percent of men and 52 percent of women in the U.S. use social media for news. But, what about the people who give us our news? How do journalists use social media?

Journalists use social media, not only to share news, but to brand their name, network with other journalists and to advertise their news agency’s name. Sharing links to stories and videos written by the journalists allows for their name to travel, not just locally, but all over the world. According to the article, “Journalism branding: Impact on reporter’s personal identities,” it is common for news agencies to request journalists to promote their work and the company’s brand on social media. This tactic allows for more readers, both for the news agency and for the journalists. Although, this online branding method, allows for little to no personal social media usage for the journalist.

Another problem presented is how are journalists distinguished from an endless mass of digital information? The article “Journalism Ethics in the Digital Age: A Model/Open Source Syllabus,” discusses the differences between professional and amateur journalism. The difference is “The highest of ethical standards and a commitment to the uncorrupted pursuit of truth based on verifiable facts and knowledge.” In a system that has never required a license to practice, the world of journalism is becoming largely more competitive.

Because of this plethora of information, both formally and informally written, fake news presents yet another issue to journalists, when it comes to using social media. According to the article, “Fake news and the spread of misinformation,” fake news can be anything from satire to conspiracy theories. 23 percent of adults have shared fake news knowingly or unknowingly. This open circulation of fake news is calling journalists to quadruple check their news sources. The same article offered resources to debunk fake news.

Personally, I plan on using my blog and tweets in the same manner. Social media is a fantastic way to promote my articles. As a journalist, I uphold the code of ethics and I promise to be extra careful when it comes to checking my news sources and references. I promise to not post anything that is not true and to never post fake news.