Social Networks as a Tool in the Work of Russian Journalists: Results of a Survey

Section: New Media

Social networks have changed the work of journalists giving them direct access to newsmakers, experts and other information sources. However, the wide popularity of social networking sites in the daily activities of mass media representatives also has negative effects: the emergence of fake news and unverified information. In the article, the author presents the results of a survey on the use of social networks among Russian journalists, working in print, radio, television, online media and news agencies. The respondents included freelancers as well as staff journalists, the total number of respondents amounting to 110. The survey was designed to reveal the particularities of using social networking sites as a source of information and a tool for searching newsmakers, news and new topics.

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