It is exciting that journalism is a multifaceted profession with many areas that need constant attention. However the rise of citizen journalism and social networking sites is causing significant problems for the industry, users and problematic messages sent into a vast world of everyone and the unknown.
In the media recently, Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Rice has been slapped over the wrists after she wrote homophobic remarks on Twitter. The Sydney Morning Herald reported the story as "anti-social networking." Now, it is believable that Rice only wrote 'suck on that faggots' after she was caught up in the moment after watching the Australian rugby team beat South Africa. But what is inappropriate is the phrase and use of language she used will probably be forgotten in a week after she wins us another gold medal. Journalists in a similar case would lose their job, be blacklisted from many employment opportunities afterwards and gain unpleasant career file footage. What I am getting at is the disadvantages for anyone with an opinion and a social networking account to express opinions. Journalists rightfully reap what they sow every day, and so should those citizens using literary and journalistic tools. Foot-in-mouth is a common problem faced by users of social networking sites and journalists who use the Twitter site in and after work hours.
The social networking site can be used successfully by media organisations and journalists for researching purposes and constant streams of updates. Journalists have taken up Twitter fever with many signing up to find out whats going in other areas of journalism and what is making news amongst citizens and celebrities. The Australian ran a story in June 2009 when the social site was just coming into full bloom and catching every media outlet's attention. Immediacy and reporting on the ground as events occur are important elements in journalism and tweeting can afford journalists to constantly update as stories occur and be updated.
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