In the technology-driven world, social platforms increased their popularity as information sources. Some claim that social media became the most prevalent news resource for increasing number of people. I believe that benefits of this situation surpass its drawbacks.
On the one hand, online platforms can be used to spread misinformation. To clarify, everyone using social media have an opportunity to post false information about the current problems of the world. For example, both sides of Russian-Ukranian war share fake information about taking control of certain areas to demoralize their rivals. So, the lack of laws for spreading misinformation makes it difficult to believe in the legimitation if the news.
On the other hand, I believe that advantages of using social media as news source overshadow its disadvantages. First upside is fast acces to news. Most of the latest information is shared on social platforms before they are declared in TV programmes. There are certain broadcast times for different TV programmes; therefore, people should wait long hours for the announcement of recent developments. In contrast, people can share information on social medias whenever they want without any delay. Moreover, online platforms are reliable news source in some countries which are controlled by totalitarian regimes. To articulate differently, authoritarian governments ban the spread of information having an opposite context to their ideology. They use TV programmes to convince people to the superiority of their country’s industry and agriculture over others. Therefore, social platforms remain the main news source in dictatorial countries. The last upside is that, people can learn about not only their country’s but also other world communities’ news. TV broadcasts mostly focus on local problems, ignoring orhers issues. However, different people from various countries can post information on social media, making it easier to get data about what happens all around the world.
In conclusion, from my standpoint, positive sides of online information sources exceed its drawbacks. Some regulations to prevent the spread of misinformation can make it more reliable source without any hesitation to use.