Twitter as a News Source

I try to stay up to date when it comes to politics and current events. In recent months, I’ve become frustrated with unsuccessful Google searches for breaking press conference coverage, or the results of the most recent senate vote. When I cannot find it on Google, I can sometimes rely on my Facebook ‘news’ feed. But lately I’ve almost always found what I’m looking for via Twitter’s hashtags and 140 characters.

Naturally, Twitter’s interface facilitates quick information. It offers an array of users: news networks, individuals, and even accounts run by computers. The quantity of users produces a large volume of information in little time, and the 140 character limit promotes precision. Hashtags are also a helpful search component, but Twitter has made searching even easier due to those who use hashtags poorly.

One of the reasons I prefer Twitter is due to the number of individual users. Individuals seem to reveal information faster and more concisely than organizations, even if their commentary is not the most sophisticated. People like having information and letting people know that they have the information first. Honestly, Twitter has spoiled me into expecting information immediately. You can watch an event live on television, or live in person, but it if you miss something, it will be likely hours or days before you can find a thorough article. People who write new articles must ensure accuracy for their brand, which often compromises timely, detailed information. Individuals are not as worried about structuring information in a way that suits a larger entity, such as a company or news network. An individual who posts is his own brand and his own editor.

Among the quantity of users, Twitter’s interface further facilitates the release of information in little time, sparing no time for old or inaccurate information. More individuals and organizations are priding themselves in exposing hoaxes, making inaccurate information easier to identify and worth the sacrifice, for fast, unfiltered information. Even if you do prefer news in context, instead of 140 characters, you can wait for the article to be posted or even tweeted. Because there are so many active users and tweets, new information can easily become over looked by newer information.

While individuals seek accuracy to maintain credibility, they are less likely to concoct a structured release of information. Why dig through a lengthy and outdated article when you can skim over a few tweets? Instead of heading to the homepage of a major news network, you’re just as likely to find what you’re looking for on Twitter.

Taylor Crouch – Marketing Assistant