"Filter-then-publish, whatever its advantages, rested on a scarcity of media that is a thing of the past. The expansion of social media means that the only working system is publish-then-filter."
Social media sites, including Twitter, Facebook, and blogs, provide amble opportunities for people to share news and experiences with other around the world. Friends and followers receive so many updates that they often can't sift through it all. Many times they simple pick and choose what to actually read. Browsing through entries, they make split second decisions about importance, interest, and applicability. It wasn't very long ago that these decisions were made by editors of newspapers in their decision of what to put headline everyday. Nowadays, the majority of people get their news from social sites, not news websites, which results in a wildfire like spreading of current events, good and bad. Since these sites connect millions, one post can be liked, retweeted, shared, and ultimately seen by people around the world in mere minutes.
However, social media sites come with risks. The ability of these sites to make everyone aware of a disaster halfway around the world can also be used in a less productive way. Some take advantage of the power and turn blogs into gossip sites. These outspoken bloggers can spread lies just as easily as truth and often overpower the voices of less bold people. Unlike professional journalism, no one is verifying facts or held responsible for inaccurate information. So, while social sites increase opportunities for anyone to become an amateur reporter, it also provides opportunities for others to take advantage of the system and report falsehoods.
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