Social media has both increased and decreased the quality of news and information that is available to the public.
In countries where there is a ban or controls over the media released to the rest of the world, the Internet has been very liberating. In Cuba, which has the lowest Internet penetration in the western hemisphere, dissidents are finding ways to speak out against Castro's regime (MacLean's). By not following the party line, they are able to give a true voice to what is happening in the country. These rebels are letting the rest of the world know that most who speak out against the government are thrown in jail and tortured. Without social media to get their messages out, the rest of the world wouldn't know what was actually happening in this Communist country. In this instance, social media is creating a free and true voice of the news.
On the other hand, honesty is an issue with information and news that is posted on the Internet. A study conducted by researchers at the University of British Columbia found that people are more likely to lie when texting, emailing or posting information with electronic devises (MacLean's). People feel more comfortable lying when they are not in face to face contact with the recipient of the news. There is a lack of accountability and direct scrutiny when someone anonymously submits news through social media channels. Who is going to check the facts and weed out lies or omissions?
If used correctly, social media can be a useful tool to deliver the news quickly and succinctly. If governed by a professional media outlet, such as The New York Times, the receiver of online news and information can be assured the reliability and accuracy of the news. There must be a governing body keeping watch over what content is published. It would be too easy for a falsehood to travel from one outlet to another. We all know how harmful lies can become when they gather steam and move out of control.
Sources:
MacLean's; February 13, 2013, volume 125, #5, page 30: "Freedom One Tweet At A Time"
MacLean's; January 23, 2013, volume125,#2, page 27: "Studies Say"
