By Layla Baboli
In the past decade, journalism has encountered a remarkable transformation, brought about by advancements in technology. From the rise of social media to the challenges posed by fake news, the methods of news reporting have evolved considerably, reshaping the way information is gathered and consumed.
One of the most significant shifts in journalism over the past decade has been the use of digital platforms as main sources of news. With the increase of phones and the internet, traditional print has seen a reduction in readers, while online news outlets and social media platforms have experienced growth. News organisations have adapted to this digital revolution by prioritising online content (e.g TV news channels, newsround, news websites) and engaging audiences through social media.
Social media has become a useful tool for journalism, providing exceptional opportunities for sharing news stories while also posing challenges in terms of reliability and misleading information. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram have become essential tools for journalists to source stories, connect with sources and engage with audiences in real-time. Moreover, the rise of citizen journalism has adjusted the news reporting process, empowering individuals to report on events as they unfold and share direct accounts with a global audience.
However, the expansion of user-generated content (e.g Instagram and Twitter accounts) has also given rise to the spread of fake news and misinformation, reducing trust in traditional media institutions. In an era where anyone with access to the internet can publish information, fact-checking and verification have become more critical than ever. News organisations have responded by investing in careful editorial standards, fact-checking initiatives and partnerships with respectable sources to combat the spread of false information.
Advancements in technology have also opened new limits for storytelling, with data journalism and multimedia arrangements gaining popularity in newsrooms around the world. Data visualisation tools, interactive graphics and captivating storytelling techniques have enabled journalists to communicate complex information in accessible ways, improving the news experience for audiences and promoting greater engagement with the issues at hand.
I conducted a survey asking students about where they get their information from, what sources they trust the least and if they prefer to get their news from physical newspapers or online news outlets.
What sources do you trust the least?
9 responses were tik tok
3 responses were instagram
3 responses were social media as a whole
1 response was the news since they can relay false information and can hide certain information from the public
1 response was reddit
1 response was wikipedia
How do you like your news delivered?
Where do you receive your news?
(From a multiple choice survey)
BBC – 71%
Guardian – 14.3%
Instagram – 28.6%
TikTok – 42.9%
The Standard – 7.1%
Foreign Policy , The Times , The Telegraph – 7.1%
Other online news – 7.1%
These results reflect the fact that journalism has expanded through the use of social media and shows the influence this has on young people. As we look ahead to the future of journalism, one thing is clear: the evolution is far from over.