While social media is arguably one of the most innovative communication tools in recent years, it is unfortunately a double edged sword.
In the past, dealing with news such as the recent Swine Flu Epidemic would require audiences to check the news regularly, speak to friends, or read local newspapers. But, thanks to social media (specifically, Twitter) we are exposed to immediate updates on where the epidemic is being reported, what is being done, and how we will be affected. By searching trends within Twitter, one can view a constantly refreshing page of updates in relation to swine flu, all hashtagged “swineflu.”
Although I am an avid user of Twitter and have been halfheartedly paying attention to the Swine Flu coverage for my own well-being, I do it with an understanding that the information represented may be incorrect. Because of Twitter’s accessibility, any registered Twitter user can distribute information regarding the epidemic. This information then has the possibility of being read by millions of people.
For example, in Austin where I reside, there have already been several misleading reports of the epidemic. First, there was a young girl infected. Then there was dispute about the young girl. Next, there were children at Dell Children’s Hospital being quarantined, and later there weren’t children at Dell Children’s Hospital…..you get the picture. In fact, several local journalists have practically been on damage control all day today. Omar Gallaga, the continually insightful tech journalist at The Austin American Statesman, actually wrote a “Don’t Panic!” post making many of the same arguments I made above.
What interests me the most about this phenomenon, however, is my own reaction to the news. As I said before, I read each tweet with the understanding that it may be false…with the exception of a few. As if it were 1999, I continue to put my trust in the hands of professional journalists and pay particular attention to the information being given from accounts such as The Statesman and CNN. In my mind, these professionals use Twitter just as if they were writing an article: they check the facts first. Unlike an emotionally driven user crying wolf, journalists must submit to reporting the truth. Simply put, changing mediums does not mean changing standards.
So what does this really mean? Well, as a student in media communication, I have begun to pity my fellow student journalists. Each day, an additional newspaper files for backruptcy, editors are forced to teach the news rather than report it, and students are increasingly switching specializations. Honestly though, this epidemic has only solidified my faith in journalism. Yes, 90% of the public can now do your job and simply report the news. But, will they report it accurately? Will they have the resources to gather all the facts? Probably not.
Swine Flu may come and go, but journalism is here to stay.
