The 21st century is the age of social media. Social media have gotten people to stay in touch with family members across the country, introduced us to some of the popular dances and memes, and of course informed us of the latest news in the matter of seconds. However, with this wonderful tool we call social media comes the fake and misleading news. Unfortunately, there are constant users who post the wrong thing on social media that may lead others to believe it is true. For example, earlier this year famous actor Anthony Andererson tweeted “R.I.P Tommy Ford” before he actually passed away. This sent fans and news media outlets in a frenzy because the actor had not yet passed away and was in fact still on life support. Another misleading social media scandal was the famous tour guy photo that was in everyone’s email. In 2001 there was a picture that circulated the web that was suppose to be the last picture before 9/11. In this picture a tourist is standing taking a picture right before a plane hit the twin towers. However, with proper research it was found that the picture was completely altered and it was not the last picture before the horrific event. Another social media fail was when USA Today, made the mistake of posting about the new gadget entitled the “selfie shoe.” USA Today posted an article about a new shoe in which people can take selfies and it would in turn surpass the selfie stick. However, the show actually did not exist and was just an April Fools Joke.
Misleading and fake Tweets can be problematic for journalists because it is expected for us to be reporting the most accurate news for its viewers. Readers and subscribers expect to be getting the correct news and if they feel like they cannot trust the journalist they will stop reading. One important rule of journalism is to be truthful. Personally, there are plenty of tabloid magazines and websites I do not read because they do not provide the accurate amount of facts. Furthermore, providing the accurate amount of facts will get you more fans. In 2009, when Michael Jackson passed away TMZ was one of the first news sources to report it. After that happens their credibility skyrocketed and people began to pay attention to the news they published. If you want to have a long lasting career, you want to have an honest career. If you are not honest, especially with social media people will be quick to check you. It is absolutely embarrassing as a journalist to be fact checked by non-journalist. Therefore, from these examples it is shown that it is important to be honest and also do the background research before you provide the information to the public.
Links
http://listverse.com/2007/10/19/top-15-manipulated-photographs/
Nayo Campbell 