OPINION: Social media journalism not efficient

Social media platforms such as Twitter make sports journalism more interactive.

Social media has exploded in popularity over the years, but it has caused big issues in the journalism world.

False information in the media has always been around, but with the ability to tweet or share to Facebook in a matter of seconds, many journalists have rushed to be the first to get their information out there.

“I generally hear about news on Twitter before anywhere else,” said sophomore Meghan Prevost via Twitter.

The issue it raises is are they focusing more on getting information out first than the real issues at hand?

Throughout my time in college, I was always told that nobody remembers who got the information out first. However, everyone remembers the news organization that got it wrong. It’s not as much about fact checking and getting it right anymore, and it’s diminishing the trust that people have for the media.

“Social media often screws up the accuracy of reporting. Most news outlets are more interested in being “the first on scene” or whatever than ensuring their info is right. So, they post whatever little findings they have on their social media pages to keep the people going and make it seem like there’s a real scoop. Take the Sandy Hook shooting, for instance. The media was so anxious to put a name and face to who did it that they actually gave the wrong Lanza brother,” says Catherine Cappucci via Facebook.

The Sandy Hook incident ties into Quinnipiac, as the wrong Lanza brother happened to be an alum, sending the Mt. Carmel campus into a frenzy. The rush to get information out first causes credibility to be lost, and unless journalists get back to back-checking all of the information, users will only find it tougher to put their trust in them.

So, what can a social media site like Twitter be used for? Personally, I think sports, specifically NASCAR have utilized social media perfectly since 2012. In February 2012 during the Daytona 500, when part of the car broke, causing calamity on the track, a new era for the sport was born.

There was a two hour delay in the race trying to put the fire out and repair the track, and during that time, racer Brad Keselowski happened to have his phone on him, and tweeted a photo from the seat of his car. Overnight, Keselowski gained over 100,000 followers on Twitter, and set the stage for NASCAR to get more involved in social media. It made the sport more interactive and entertaining to watch.

Ultimately, news organizations still have some work to do in order to get new information out correctly. For now, sports like NASCAR have taken the driver’s seat in ushering in a new era of journalism.

Drivers, Start Your Engines!

Ryan DeCosta is a versatile member of WQAQ, a new intern at Radio 104.1 WMRQ, and an avid Nascar fan.

Ryan DeCosta has followed NASCAR for many years. As the sport changes, his passion for the sport will not. DeCosta is a Broadcast Journalism major at Quinnipiac University pursuing a career in NASCAR broadcasting.

“I’ve been asked many times before, why do you want a career in broadcasting, particularly in a sport like NASCAR,” DeCosta said. “Well, I feel like if you are passionate about your career and your goals, when you finally reach them it will feel like you’ve never worked a day in your life.”

He plans to continue to learn whatever it takes to succeed in the industry.

Currently, DeCosta is working as an intern at Radio 104.1 FM, and works in the Production, News, Promotion, Programming, and Music departments for the student-run 98.1 WQAQ.