What is one characteristic of modern journalism due to social media?

One defining characteristic of modern journalism influenced by social media is that everyone can be a journalist. Social media platforms have democratized the dissemination of information, allowing anyone with internet access to share news, opinions, and stories. This means that traditional gatekeeping roles, once held by professional journalists and news organizations, have been significantly diminished.

As a result, individuals can report on local events, provide eyewitness accounts, or share information in real-time, leading to a broader spectrum of voices and perspectives in the media landscape. This phenomenon has also led to a rise in citizen journalism, where everyday people can engage in journalistic practices, thus expanding the definition of who can be considered a journalist.

In contrast, the other choices suggest limitations in the journalism field that are not reflective of the social media environment. The idea that only professional journalists can report restricts the diverse contributions from the general public. Claiming that fact-checking is unnecessary undermines the importance of accuracy and credibility in journalism, especially in an era of misinformation. Moreover, stating that news cycles have slowed down contradicts the reality that news dissemination has accelerated significantly with the rise of digital platforms.