The Social Media

We have come to an era where internet has revolutionized the way in which journalism works. Anyone who owns a laptop, computer or even a cell phone can be an active source of news. Today the people don’t rely on the traditional means to get news and information. We do not have to wait for the next edition of the newspaper to update us about an issue going around in the world. Advancement in technology has led us in a place where we as ordinary people can also contribute in giving news and dispersing it to other people through the internet. The popularity gained by the social media helps us in how we perceive the news today. Before it used to be a one sided news only but now since everyone can contribute in this process through the social media, it isn't one sided anymore. Though the techniques of journalism are still there, the internet has allowed them to adapt their way of working.

“The digital age also means that journalism is taking on a new style of writing and editing. Hypertext now enables journalists to write online stories that are multi-dimensional, allowing them the reader to pick their own path through the story.”(Herbert, 2000, p.2)

Through the social media, it has given rise to citizen journalism where every citizen participates in giving news to the readers. A great example of it would be the ‘2004 Boxing Day Tsunami’ where ordinary people contributed more in updating the people around the world about the incident. Blog, facebook, twitter, and other social media sites are gaining a lot of attention today. While it can be beneficial to us, some journalists find it as a threat to their professions.

“Professional experience and literature clearly suggests that new media technologies challenge one of the most fundamental “truths” in journalism, namely: the professional journalist is the one who determines what we the public see, hear and read about the world around us.”(Fulton in Salaverria and Sadaba, 2004, p.189)

Like all new technologies, the internet has both benefits and disadvantages as well. But as the world keeps on advancing, we must go with the flow so that the value of professional journalism would not drop. The traditional means of media may not be popular as before but we can adapt with the new form of media through the internet where we can give out news and information.