10.1 Using social media and online platforms to gather and disseminate information
6 min read•august 13, 2024
Social media has revolutionized trauma journalism, offering real-time updates and diverse perspectives. Platforms like , , and provide journalists with instant access to eyewitness accounts and multimedia content during crises.
However, this digital landscape also presents challenges. Verifying information is crucial, as spreads rapidly. Journalists must balance the benefits of social media with ethical considerations, protecting sources and avoiding the amplification of harmful content.
Social Media for Trauma Information
Effectiveness of Social Media Platforms
Top images from around the web for Effectiveness of Social Media Platforms
Social media, mobile devices and online news: 2015 data and charts that speak to digital trends View original
Is this image relevant?
How Social Media Platforms Intersect With News – Clickbait, Bias, and Propaganda in Information ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Social media, mobile devices and online news: 2015 data and charts that speak to digital trends View original
Is this image relevant?
How Social Media Platforms Intersect With News – Clickbait, Bias, and Propaganda in Information ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Top images from around the web for Effectiveness of Social Media Platforms
Social media, mobile devices and online news: 2015 data and charts that speak to digital trends View original
Is this image relevant?
How Social Media Platforms Intersect With News – Clickbait, Bias, and Propaganda in Information ... View original
Is this image relevant?
Social media, mobile devices and online news: 2015 data and charts that speak to digital trends View original
Is this image relevant?
How Social Media Platforms Intersect With News – Clickbait, Bias, and Propaganda in Information ... View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 2
Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become essential tools for journalists to gather real-time information, eyewitness accounts, and multimedia content during traumatic events
The effectiveness of a social media platform for gathering trauma-related information depends on factors such as the platform's user demographics, the types of content typically shared, and the platform's search and filtering capabilities
Journalists must consider the unique strengths and limitations of each platform when deciding which to use for a particular story or situation
Twitter's short-form content and real-time nature make it effective for breaking news and eyewitness reports, but the limited context can lead to misinformation (140 character limit, trending hashtags)
Facebook's larger user base and ability to form groups can provide access to affected communities and in-depth personal accounts, but privacy settings may limit information gathering (2.9 billion monthly active users, closed groups)
Instagram's visual focus can provide compelling multimedia content, but the platform's emphasis on aesthetics and positivity may not align with the gravity of traumatic events (Reels, filters)
Journalists should also evaluate the reach and engagement of their own social media presence on each platform to determine the most effective channels for disseminating trauma-related information to their audience
Disseminating Trauma Information on Social Media
Journalists must consider their own social media reach and engagement when choosing platforms to disseminate trauma-related information
Factors influencing the effectiveness of disseminating information include the journalist's follower count, audience demographics, and typical engagement rates on each platform
Tailoring content to the strengths and norms of each platform can increase the impact and reach of trauma-related information
Sharing brief updates and breaking news on Twitter can quickly inform a wide audience
Posting in-depth articles and personal stories on Facebook can foster community engagement and dialogue
Showcasing compelling visuals and multimedia content on Instagram can evoke empathy and understanding
Journalists should also consider the timing and frequency of their social media posts to maximize visibility and engagement while respecting the of the situation
Verifying Information Online
Verification Process
The rapid spread of information on social media increases the risk of inaccurate, misleading, or fabricated content circulating during traumatic events, making a critical skill for trauma journalists
Journalists should establish a consistent process for verifying the authenticity, , and provenance of information obtained from social media and online sources before publishing or sharing it
Key verification strategies include:
Identifying and confirming the original source of the information, such as the individual who captured a photo or video or made a statement
Cross-referencing details with other credible sources, such as official statements, reputable news outlets, or eyewitness accounts from verified individuals
Analyzing metadata, such as timestamps and geotags, to confirm the time and location of events depicted in multimedia content (EXIF data, Google Maps)
Consulting with experts or authorities who can provide context, clarification, or confirmation of technical details or complex topics (medical professionals, legal experts)
Journalists should also be transparent about the verification process and acknowledge any limitations or uncertainties when reporting information obtained from social media or online sources
Tools and Techniques for Verification
Various tools and techniques can assist journalists in verifying information from social media and online sources
Reverse image search tools, such as Google Images or TinEye, can help identify the original source and context of a photo or determine if it has been altered or used in a misleading context
Geolocation techniques, such as comparing visual features with satellite imagery or street view data, can confirm the location of events depicted in photos or videos (landmarks, terrain)
Social media monitoring tools, such as Hootsuite or CrowdTangle, can track the spread and engagement of specific content across platforms and identify potential sources or influential accounts
Collaborating with other journalists or organizations can provide additional resources and expertise for verifying complex or high-stakes information (Bellingcat, First Draft News)
Social Media in Trauma Journalism
Benefits of Social Media in Trauma Journalism
Social media can provide valuable opportunities for journalists to connect with affected communities, gather diverse perspectives, and disseminate important information during traumatic events
Potential benefits of using social media in trauma journalism include:
Access to real-time updates, eyewitness accounts, and multimedia content that can enhance the immediacy and impact of reporting (livestreams, )
Ability to reach and engage with affected communities and provide a platform for marginalized voices and personal stories (hashtags, direct messaging)
Opportunity to crowdsource information, tips, and leads from a wide network of sources (Twitter polls, Facebook groups)
Increased transparency and accountability in the reporting process through direct communication with the audience (comments, replies)
Risks and Challenges of Social Media in Trauma Journalism
Social media also poses unique risks and ethical challenges in trauma journalism
Potential risks and challenges of using social media in trauma journalism include:
Exposure to graphic or disturbing content that can cause vicarious trauma or desensitization for journalists and their audience (violent images, explicit descriptions)
Difficulty verifying the accuracy and authenticity of information shared on social media, particularly during fast-moving or chaotic events (rumors, hoaxes)
Potential for social media activity to compromise the safety, privacy, or well-being of sources, subjects, or journalists themselves (doxxing, online harassment)
Risk of amplifying misinformation, rumors, or harmful content through sharing or engaging with unverified information (conspiracy theories, hate speech)
Journalists must carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks of using social media in each situation and take steps to mitigate harm and maintain ethical standards (content warnings, source protection)
Citizen Journalism in Trauma Reporting
Role of Citizen Journalists
Citizen journalism refers to the practice of non-professional individuals using digital tools and platforms to report on news and events, often providing eyewitness accounts, photos, and videos from the scene of an incident
During traumatic events, citizen journalists can play a significant role in providing immediate, on-the-ground information and perspectives that may not be available through traditional media channels
Citizen journalism can offer several benefits in the context of trauma reporting:
Providing real-time updates and firsthand accounts from affected communities that can fill gaps in professional media coverage (local knowledge, personal experiences)
Capturing diverse perspectives and experiences that may be overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream narratives (marginalized voices, alternative viewpoints)
Holding traditional media and authorities accountable by providing alternative viewpoints and evidence (exposing bias, fact-checking official statements)
Empowering affected communities to share their own stories and participate in the public discourse around traumatic events (self-representation, advocacy)
Challenges and Limitations of Citizen Journalism
However, citizen journalism also presents challenges and limitations in trauma reporting
Lack of professional training and ethical standards can lead to insensitive, inaccurate, or biased reporting that can cause further harm to individuals and communities (revictimization, stereotyping)
Difficulty verifying the credibility and motivations of citizen journalists, particularly when they are anonymous or unknown to professional media organizations (agenda-driven content, staged events)
Limited access to resources, protection, and support systems that professional journalists rely on, which can compromise the safety and well-being of citizen journalists in high-risk situations (legal support, trauma counseling)
Professional journalists and media organizations must develop guidelines and best practices for responsibly incorporating citizen journalism into trauma reporting while upholding ethical standards and mitigating potential harms (verification protocols, collaborative fact-checking)