Are Networks Relying Too Much on Twitter?
Twitter is a great way to provide breaking news to a large audience within a matter of minutes.
However, tweets are not always accurate. Spreading rumors and inaccurate information can be very problematic when networks and the public that rely too much on Twitter for breaking news.
Breaking News Alerts
Twitter provides a great platform for delivering news.
After all, news networks can’t constantly cut into regularly scheduled programming. And not all news requires a lengthy news article to be compiled for network websites, which makes short tweets a great way to provide updates.
One of the greatest features about spreading news on Twitter is the way social media can spread. People don’t have to be tuned into news sites to hear about the latest story.
Instead, if it’s truly breaking news, it’s likely to be retweeted over and over so family and friends who aren’t as tuned in will still become aware quickly.
Another great feature is that people can become aware of breaking news on twitter no matter where they are. Smart phones allow people to receive news whether they’re at home, at work, or shopping at the store.
Inaccurate News
One of the biggest problems with Twitter is that the news isn’t always accurate.
Networks race to be the first to pass along juicy tidbits and new information. However, their quest to be the first means they often send out tweets without verifying information or having the whole story.
Several major events have showcased exactly how Twitter can serve as a reliable breaking news platform but also how it can be horribly inaccurate.
The Boston bombings, for example, allowed people who were at the scene to post what was happening minute by minute and even offer pictures from the scene. However, at the same time, many people spread inaccurate reports about what had happened.
In the days following the bombings, many networks raced to report information on suspects and the police investigation. CNN and the Associated Press even reported that a suspect was in custody several days before any arrests were actually made.
Another event that quickly led to gross inaccuracies being spread quickly over Twitter was the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford. Many major news outlets spent hours reporting on the fact that the congresswoman was dead.
It wasn’t until hours later that many news outlets, including National Public Radio, came forward to report the inaccurate tweets.
Problems with Correcting Inaccurate Tweets
It’s not easy to try and correct inaccurate tweets. Simply deleting a tweet doesn’t do the trick because it’s likely already been retweeted hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Most news organizations try to send out a corrected tweet as soon as inaccuracies have been discovered. However, the damage has often already been done.
Many journalists argue that Twitter isn’t unlike any other forms of media as many networks report inaccurate information at times on live air or in newspapers and Twitter is just one more news source.
It’s wise to be skeptical of the latest breaking news on Twitter.
Until stories have been confirmed, it’s important for networks to be careful about what they’re tweeting if they want to be seen as a reliable source of news.
Photo credit: Wired.com
About the Author: Amy Morin writes about psychology and business, as well as business people, such as Steve Wynn.
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