The media plays an essential role in the information space in modern American society. Traditional news and social media have a vast audience that informs about current events and trends. However, there has been a growing interest in how accurate and reliable the information provided by the media is. Traditional news media and social media also differ in their responsibility to the public. This essay will examine the role of conventional news media and social media in modern American society and discuss the issue of the responsibility they bear.
Traditional news media such as newspapers, television, and radio have a significant weight in conveying information to the public. They are primary news sources and often serve as a guide for other media. Therefore, the responsibility of traditional news media to provide accurate information is rather high (Lutrell & Wallace, 2021). These media outlets must ensure that their materials are correct and do not contradict ethical journalistic standards. Their task is not only to deliver news to viewers and readers but also to present information in a format that allows each individual to draw conclusions and form their own opinions.
On the other hand, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram play an increasingly important role in disseminating information in modern society. They allow people to exchange real-time news, opinions, and ideas. Unlike traditional news media, social media is not a primary news source but rather a platform for sharing it (Lutrell & Wallace, 2021). However, even though social media platforms are not responsible for the accuracy and factual reliability of the information shared by their users, they influence the formation of public opinion to some extent. Therefore, social media should ensure that their platforms are not used to spread false information, provocative materials, or hate speech.
The responsibility of social media for the content shared by their users is a debatable issue. On the one hand, social networks cannot control all the information that their users publish, as it contradicts the principles of freedom of speech and the right to express opinions freely. On the other hand, social media platforms are responsible for the content published on their site (Lutrell & Wallace, 2021). They must combat the spread of false information, disinformation, provocations, and hateful rhetoric that can harm society and damage its members.
An example of how traditional news media is responsible for information accuracy and solid reliability can be seen in their work during the 2020 presidential elections. At a time when there was a massive disinformation campaign and numerous false messages on social media, traditional news media worked hard to fact-check and provide accurate information to their viewers and readers.
An example of how social media is responsible for the content shared by its users is the fight against fake news during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube actively fought against the spread of false information. They provided their users with accurate data on the pandemic to reduce panic and anxiety levels.
In conclusion, in modern American society, traditional news media and social media play an essential role in the information space. Traditional news media is responsible for providing accurate and reliable information to the public. At the same time, social media platforms have different levels of responsibility for the content their users publish. However, recently, the issue of whether social media platforms should be responsible for the content their users post has become more relevant. Overall, the role of media in modern society remains essential. Despite their problems and challenges, they will continue to play a vital role in the information space.
Reference
Lutrell, R., & Wallace, A. (2021). Social media and society: An introduction to the mass media landscape. Rowman & Littlefield Publishing.