BLOG: Social Media Is Changing the Game!

The increasing popularity of social media over the last 20 years has drastically changed the landscape of our news consumption. Plus as journalists, how we operate!

While there are positives AND negatives of this it seems, social media and mobile devices are definitely changing the relationship between news outlets and the audience. In an era where everyone can be a news reporter with a tap of the "Tweet" button (dangerous!), social media definitely has its positives too, like getting first-hand information from a scene a reporter can't be at, for example.

In addition, it's now becoming a two-way conversation. Instead of reporters being looked as the end-all, be-all, news over the past few years has become a back-and-forth, rather than a one way flow.

Therefore, it is becoming even more important to develop these social media skills as a journalist, especially for me who is continuing to learn them now in college.

As the book describes, and which I think is most effective in terms of audience engagement as a journalist, is all about the tone of voice you use when on social media. The book lists "consistent and authentic interactions, an informal yet professional tone, and openness and responsiveness to audience feedback" as three effective engagement methods, and I think these are spot on. These are things I am continuing myself to improve on in my own social media behavior.

As we continue to grow as humans and as a society, we have to continue to be flexible with our news. News is becoming a conversation rather than a report, and social media is doing a fantastic job helping that.