We used to get our news from TV and newspapers. They were, after all, the authoritative voice that separated fact from fiction. They did their research. They checked their sources. Rightly or wrongly, we trusted them for that reason.
Now, anyone with access to a computer or a smart phone can be a news source. Want to find out the latest on the Iran Election? Read the tweets on Twitter. Feel like reading about Brangelina’s latest fight? Browse a gossip blog. Citizen Journalism is about getting the story to the masses as quickly as possible. Homework to check sources, provide credible links and perform spell checks contradict the need for speed. Citizen journalism is powerful because it’s real-time, independent and relatable…and it seems to be here to stay.
So my question is this: Since social media allows anyone to report on the news, will we finally realize that just because it has been printed doesn’t mean that it’s true? What do you think?
I love this TV PSA by Concerned Children’s Advertisers that makes you ask yourself this very question.
Lara McCulloch-Carter
Author of the Special Event blog ready2spark
Director of Marketing – Regal Tent Productions
Past-President – ISES Toronto
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Excellent point Lara. I believe that in today's world, we need to understand the concept of network literacy. I feel our cultures have moved from print literacy to digital literacy to network literacy. Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and create information using digital technology. Network literacy in my opinion, is the ability to use the skills of collective checking, inquisitive skepticism and group assessment. It meana moving from a foucs on information to the ability to judge reliable information.
Excellent point Lara.
I believe that in today's world, we need to understand the concept of network literacy. I feel our cultures have moved from print literacy to digital literacy to network literacy. Digital literacy is the ability to locate, organize, understand, evaluate, and create information using digital technology. Network literacy in my opinion, is the ability to use the skills of collective checking, inquisitive skepticism and group assessment. It meana moving from a foucs on information to the ability to judge reliable information.