According to a new survey, more people are using social media as their news outlet than they did back in 2013. Both Facebook and Twitter are reportedly breaking out of their bubble of just social networking websites, with 63% of their users getting their daily news from their homepages.
The possibility of interactions and sharing opinions might be the main factor as to why there is a rise in the power of social media. It apparently offers people the chance to receive feedback, debate or argue over opinions, events, decisions or breakthroughs more freely, in spite of the non-anonymous way of commenting.
And all of it is done easily through the familiarity of their own accounts and interfaces that people daily use, which makes it simpler for those not inclined toward stepping into new technology so swiftly.
The number of Americans beginning to rely on Facebook or Twitter for their news have seemingly been growing within the last two years, especially in those over the age of 35. However, it appears all demographics are affected. Regardless of gender, race, culture, social background or income, people are more likely to receive and read news on their social media accounts.
It’s no longer exclusively a way to keep up with friends and families, or follow specific companies, celebrities or support groups. Ranging from topics such as politics to sports and business, social networking websites are apparently embracing this new possibility, introducing new features that can better mold to the user’s preferences.
Twitter’s “Trending Now” allows users to see the newest events and join the debate through their accounts. Facebook’s “Instant Article” has opened doors for journalists to publish their articles directly on their social media account, without needing to link it to their intended newsletter. It rises the traffic and gains them ground every day.
Over 50% of users between the ages of 18 and 34 have claimed that Facebook and Twitter are either ‘the most important’ or ‘one of the most important’ source for their daily news. Publications have their own pages they can follow, and it’s only a matter of time before a popular event or piece of news will reach News Feeds everywhere.
The survey states that Facebooks remains firmly in the lead when it comes to subjects such as politics where people will debate the matter in a longer, more in-depth fashion, while Twitter proves more popular in sports or breaking news through shorter comments or live responses.
Journalists might be rushing to social media in the near future as both platforms are seeing an increase in significance through people’s daily routines.
The connection is forming with people in their lives, but the outside world as well as the news meld to their preference and can transform into heated debates with friends and families. Without the need to wait until Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
Image source: gigaom.com
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