Remember when you used to turn on your favorite news channel to grab the latest local news? Or change the channel to CNN or MSNBC to get up to date on all the breaking events in the world? Even if you just wanted something at a glimpse, you could follow the breaking news ticker at the bottom of the screen. I do, but I have noticed my needs for getting the news has evolved over the last few years. How so, you might ask? The answer is social media.
I am not alone either. There is a growing number of the population that rely on social media services to deliver the news to them. The big three of Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ offer me most of the news I could ever consume. The unique thing, is that some of what I can get from social media, is immediate firsthand accounts of breaking news.
With the recent events in Boston, I never once turned on the television. I saw the entire thing unfold in my Twitter and Google+ feeds. The tragedy played out on social media piece by piece. From the initial attacks at the marathon, to the ensuing manhunt, Twitter kept me up to date on what was going down.
This phenomenon doesn't just apply to just the national level either. My wife used to watch the local news to see what was happening in our community, but now she simply checks Facebook. Ironically, she even calls it “reading the paper.” From local football games to charity events, she gets all the updates surrounding our town.
Speaking of football, are you a sports fan? By simply following a few influential people in your favorite sport, you can get most of your news fed to you via social as well. Follow your team and you can usually get game updates and management movements concerning your squad. Peeking in on league insiders will get you in the know on what player might soon be moving to a new town. Social media, once again, has me up to date.
So, if you're wondering why you haven't been using your TV remote, or your mailbox, to appease the news junkie inside...then look no further than the internet. Social has taken over your news.
I am not alone either. There is a growing number of the population that rely on social media services to deliver the news to them. The big three of Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ offer me most of the news I could ever consume. The unique thing, is that some of what I can get from social media, is immediate firsthand accounts of breaking news.
With the recent events in Boston, I never once turned on the television. I saw the entire thing unfold in my Twitter and Google+ feeds. The tragedy played out on social media piece by piece. From the initial attacks at the marathon, to the ensuing manhunt, Twitter kept me up to date on what was going down.
This phenomenon doesn't just apply to just the national level either. My wife used to watch the local news to see what was happening in our community, but now she simply checks Facebook. Ironically, she even calls it “reading the paper.” From local football games to charity events, she gets all the updates surrounding our town.
Speaking of football, are you a sports fan? By simply following a few influential people in your favorite sport, you can get most of your news fed to you via social as well. Follow your team and you can usually get game updates and management movements concerning your squad. Peeking in on league insiders will get you in the know on what player might soon be moving to a new town. Social media, once again, has me up to date.
So, if you're wondering why you haven't been using your TV remote, or your mailbox, to appease the news junkie inside...then look no further than the internet. Social has taken over your news.
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