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Social Media’s Pivot from News
Sep 3, 2023
Tech reporter Will Oremus discusses the declining usefulness of social media as a source of news during natural disasters, focusing on the example of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. He explores the challenges of misinformation and hoaxes, as well as the changing responsibilities of big tech companies. The episode also highlights the potential benefits of the news industry distancing itself from social media platforms.
28:35
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Quick takeaways
- Social media platforms have deprioritized news and reduced the reliability of news on their platforms.
- The shift towards social media as a primary news source has created a disconnect between news organizations and their audience, impacting the news industry's business models.
Deep dives
The Role of Social Media in Disasters
Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become important sources of real-time news and information during natural disasters. People turn to social media to get the latest updates, view pictures, and read news reports. Public agencies also utilize social media to communicate with the public and tailor their response accordingly. However, social media's role in disasters is a double-edged sword, as it can also lead to the spread of rumors and misinformation. Despite the drawbacks, social media remains a vital tool in disaster communication and information dissemination.
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