Journalists' use of social media

Social media has become an essential instrument for journalists, influencing the production and dissemination of news. Platforms such as X, Facebook, and LinkedIn serve purposes beyond networking; they are crucial for information gathering, promoting stories, and engaging with audiences.

What are the challenges of social media and journalism?

·?Digital advertising: The shift to digital advertising has made it difficult for publishers to generate enough revenue to sustain their operations. With a significant decline in print advertising, much of the digital ad revenue is dominated by tech giants, leaving news organisations vying for a smaller share of the market.

·?Influencers' competition: Nearly 28% of journalists report that one of their major challenges over the past year has been competing with social media influencers and digital content creators for audience engagement and attention.

·?Misinformation: The spread of misinformation and fake news on social media presents a significant challenge for journalists. 33% of journalists identified online misinformation as one of their biggest challenges in the past year.

·?Harassment: Online trolls and critics often target journalists for their reporting, opinions, or perceived biases. This blurring of personal and professional boundaries can take an emotional toll, potentially leading to self-censorship or even driving journalists away from social media.

·?Speed vs Accuracy: The constant demand for real-time news updates and the pressure to be the first to break a story on social media can sometimes conflict with the principles of accuracy and thoroughness in journalism.

·?Algorithms: Social media platforms use algorithms to prioritise content that generates engagement, which can sometimes be at the expense of nuanced, fact-based reporting. This has contributed to the spread of misinformation and the creation of ideological echo chambers.rganisations vying for a smaller share of the market.

How do journalists use social media?

• To publish/promote content
• To source information
• To interact with the audience
• To network
• To monitor news, keywords, competitive media etc,

As for 2024, the most valuable social media platforms for journalists are X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. But what are journalists choosing as an alternative to X?

Bluesky has become a refuge for journalists as X becomes increasingly 'toxic'. Now, Bluesky is growing rapidly as users leave X, with many publishers, news organisations, and journalists moving to the platform. However, whether this platform will be the future for journalists, the simple answer is: to be seen. As for now, Threads and Mastodon have not been so popular for journalists.