Internet technology hasn’t just changed the way we get our news; it has changed how quickly we have access to it. Once upon a time news could take weeks, or even months, to reach people. Today almost everyone has immediate access to events from across the globe. This never before seen access has had some interesting impacts on society as a whole.
The way we utilize the Internet to view the news has created a culture in which consumers rush to judge news. Sometimes, this instant access means the news that is reported isn’t entirely accurate. In the midst of a crisis, various Internet news outlets may report different facts or information. This has caused problems not only in the short term, but in the long term, with some news consumers feeling that the general accuracy of news outlets has decreased.
Conversely, this instant access has granted consumers access to information that they have never before had access to. Examples include live remote interviews from battles and ‘people’ reporters, or common consumers who are reporting the news via cell phone. It has created an interesting juxtaposition of professional broadcasting and amateur news pieces.
Many consider these changes to the way we receive our news to be positive. They have allowed the common man to have a much greater understanding of the impact of everyday news. That being said, there is some concern that the immediate access may do more harm than good. After all, how diligently can a news outlet fact check when they are beaming the latest news crisis live over the Internet?