Social Media as a Challenge for Quality Journalism
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A CHALLENGE FOR QUALITY JOURNALISM by Umar Ibrahim Usman.
Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. umayyfa_baima@yahoo.com +2348066426433 Social media refers to the use of web based mobile technologies to turn communication in to an interactive dialogue. Social media is best understood as a group of new kind of online media, which share most or all of the following characteristics. Social media encourages contributions and feedback from everyone who is interested. It blurs the line between media and audience. Most social media services are open to feedback and participation. They encourage voting, comments and the sharing of information. There are rarely any barriers to access and making use of content – password-protected content is frowned on. Whereas traditional media is about “broadcast” (content transmitted or distributed to an audience) social media is better seen as a two-way conversation. Social media allows communities to form quickly and communicate effectively. Communities share common interests, such as a love of photography, a political issue or a favorite TV show. Most kinds of social media thrive on their connectedness, making use of links to other sites, resources and people. Social networks, in addition, are sites that allow people to build personal web pages and then connect with friends to share content and communication. The biggest social networks are MySpace, Facebook and BEBO etc. Blogs also are online journals. Members of the society of professional journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Journalists use several methods to justify their decisions. In most ethical dilemmas, editors and reporters discuss the issue and consequence of publication before making decision. Also they consider how newsworthy the story is
Bayero University Kano, Nigeria. umayyfa_baima@yahoo.com +2348066426433 Social media refers to the use of web based mobile technologies to turn communication in to an interactive dialogue. Social media is best understood as a group of new kind of online media, which share most or all of the following characteristics. Social media encourages contributions and feedback from everyone who is interested. It blurs the line between media and audience. Most social media services are open to feedback and participation. They encourage voting, comments and the sharing of information. There are rarely any barriers to access and making use of content – password-protected content is frowned on. Whereas traditional media is about “broadcast” (content transmitted or distributed to an audience) social media is better seen as a two-way conversation. Social media allows communities to form quickly and communicate effectively. Communities share common interests, such as a love of photography, a political issue or a favorite TV show. Most kinds of social media thrive on their connectedness, making use of links to other sites, resources and people. Social networks, in addition, are sites that allow people to build personal web pages and then connect with friends to share content and communication. The biggest social networks are MySpace, Facebook and BEBO etc. Blogs also are online journals. Members of the society of professional journalists believe that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. The duty of the journalist is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of events and issues. Journalists use several methods to justify their decisions. In most ethical dilemmas, editors and reporters discuss the issue and consequence of publication before making decision. Also they consider how newsworthy the story is