http://vimeo.com/32342530

As social media becomes more prevalent in everyday life, its impact on journalism is tremendous with programs such as Facebook, Twitter and Skype. With access to these networks, communication can also become easier because of mobile devices and modern technology, so more people are sharing their opinions and posting information.

“The extensive use of social media becomes a bridge on how you discover content and information.” Journalist Program Manager Vadim Lavrusik said. “It’s becoming more than just a social network though, it is more of a way to communicate and share information.”

With 800 million monthly active users, Facebook is the fastest growing social network and contains four billion pieces of content that are shared daily.

“Facebook has authenticity to it because it makes you seem more human to other users.”Vadim said. “With the amount of content doubling every year it has become easier for people to share information while still being themselves so you can kind of use our status updates to tell the story itself.”

Different types of social media are available through mobile devices with apps and notifications that send updates directly to smartphones without having to search for the information.

“It’s more of a way to get instant gratification and information. “English major Laura Marks said. “It’s become a thing that people do so they can have fun while staying updated with what is going on in the outside world.”

Although social media seems to have a positive impact on journalism, many argue that its effects are hurting older forms of media.

“It is really hurting print journalism because it seems like people nowadays are more apt to check out their Twitter or Facebook, “Resident Cindy Becker said. “They would rather look at a screen than check out the local newspaper or even a book.”

Social media’s impact on journalism has made it easier to communicate and post news updates, but it seems like the younger generation is excessively dependent on this quick and easy way to relay information.

“There are a lot of young people that don’t really read as much anymore. “Cindy Becker said. “I really feel like there is more of a network where people want the information to be given to them instead of seeking it out.”

Modern journalism has become increasingly more dependent on social media to reach a more diverse audience, and modern technology, news updates and communication seem to be able to convey a positive message to the public.

“If the people are reading that is all that really matters. ”Laura Marks said. “Whether people decide to read a kindle, newspaper or an article on the Internet it doesn’t really matter as long as they are reading something and staying updated.”

by Christine Baker

video by Elliot Parkman

photos by Sawyer Erickson

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15 Free Ways Journalists Use Social Media Tools to Track Topics: http://sustainablejournalism.org/socialmedia/journalists-social-media-tools-track-topics

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