Local news stations tend to stream news stories such as fires, shootings, charity events and many other interesting headlines. ProCon.org stated that, “78.5% of traditional media reporters polled used social media to check for breaking news.” ("Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?”). That is the equivalent of thousands of people depending on a social media website of some sort for news. They went on to say in the same article that “Social media sites are one of the top news sources for 46% of Americans compared, to 66% for television, 26% for printed newspapers, and 23% for radio.” ("Are Social Networking Sites Good for Our Society?”). Almost half of Americans used a website such as Facebook or Twitter for news.
An important aspect of the social media sites is the degree at which users share the news channeled to them by the media houses. It is estimated that half of the social media users have shared new stories, videos, and images received from media houses (Tobias, 2011, p.34). In fact, studies indicate that social media has passed television and radio stations as the main source of news for the young people (Shirky, 2011, p.26). Apart from news, social media also creates other forms of awareness among the people of the world (Hansen, Shneiderman & Smith, 2010, p.33). For instance, some organizations use social media sites as the route to spread awareness on health, social and political issues.
In a world that thrives on instant information, social media is at the forefront of consuming time. While social media has been crucial for information dissemination through news organizations, as well as promoting activism, it has also affected the lives of teenagers and individuals everywhere through bullying; finally, the reporting of false news can drastically harm our nation. There are many available pros and cons to the concept of social media and it is important to realize that they may not be a clear answer as to what is right or wrong. News media outlets have benefited greatly from the growth of social media. Companies can target a younger audience through social media, as young individuals spend much of their time on these social networking sites (INSERT CITATION HERE).
November, 2015 Social media and its vague credibility Thesis Statement: Social media is not a reliable source of news because of its vulnerability to fake information, lack of validation, and the journalists’ inclusion of biases. Nowadays, people would not do something the traditional way, most especially, if there is a shortcut, less energy-requiring. The ever-busy world, which continuously develops, created people who lack patience, who are always up for instants—instants such as instant updates. They are always eager to know what has just happened or what is currently happening. Because of the power of technology, people find it more convenient to check news online since it is immediately updated.
More than half of American children, teens, and adults in 2015 use social networks such as Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, etc.. On most of these sites, users may establish informal bio profiles, keep in touch with friends and strangers, do research, share thoughts, music, photos, and more. Social media can harm us if used wrong but, on the alternative side we can use it to keep up with news, help young children and teenagers also, offer help to a few people in need. Social media can be good without a doubt but there are disadvantages to it as well. Around 41% of Americans stay-up-to-date with social media. 78.5% of conventional media journalists surveyed utilized web-based social networking to check for breaking news.
1.2 Statement of the problem Engaging in various forms of social media is a routine activity that research has shown to benefit children and adolescents by enhancing communication, social connection, and even technical skills (Ito M. et al, 2010). Sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram offer several and various everyday opportunities for connecting with friends, family, and people with common interests. Furthermore, social media may offer scope to help ease the burden of self management for chronic disease sufferers and may be a suitable means to provide clinical care (Merolli M. et al, 2013)
Social network is helping others to be informed about anything they need to know. People can also find jobs and opportunities through the social network. Social networking can be used to memorialize dead people to keep their memories and history, so it does not fade away. However, the negative sides on social network can have a lot of disadvantages that can ruin the society. For instance, people these days are communicating through social media instead of meeting up.
Along with this, online networking provides a tendency for users to present themselves to man and not to God, which goes against what scripture teaches. Furthermore, people generally show off the most impressive aspects of life on social media posts, which in turn introduces an element of deceit on the part of the poster and jealousy on the part of the viewer. Evidence shows that participation in social networking is an upward trend, as it has taken the priority over conversations at the dinner table, in the classroom, and even in interactions during friendly get togethers. Due to this reality, its everyday use needs to be monitored and kept in check. If the absorption in social media continues,
First, social media platforms such as Facebook, are very helpful connecting people with others and lost items. For example, in the book article “Social Media: Like it or Leave it” by Rebecca Rowell, she states “People use social network sites to reconnect with lost friends and family, ask for advice, buy and sell items, and help people in need directly.” Family members who live in different areas of the country or state, can remain connected to one another and even share daily experiences. Often people who are looking for certain products or services, post inquiries on social media platforms. People respond to these inquiries with suggestions of individuals or businesses to contact. Also, businesses advertise
Finding the truth on the internet has become harder and harder in recent years. This is because of the rise of false or fake news. Before the rise of fake news, fake news was just satirical articles meant to be funny and they didn’t get much attention. But now, fake news has exploded in popularity, even making it onto huge news networks like CNN or The Washington Post. Fake news can become harmful and have real world consequences.