The proliferation of social media platforms has profoundly transformed contemporary newsgathering practices, positioning these digital spaces as primary sources of information during breaking news events. Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram enable journalists to access real-time updates, engage with diverse and often marginalized voices, and crowdsource content from audiences, thereby enhancing the immediacy, inclusivity, and interactivity of news reporting. However, the unmoderated and algorithm-driven nature of these platforms also introduces significant challenges, including the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, difficulties in verifying the authenticity of user-generated content, exposure to echo chambers, and heightened risks to privacy and security. Drawing on a review of recent literature and illustrative case studies, this paper critically examines the dual role of social media in newsgathering, articulating both the opportunities and risks inherent in their use. It argues that while social media democratize news production and consumption, they simultaneously necessitate rigorous verification practices, ethical vigilance, and digital literacy to safeguard journalistic integrity and public trust. The findings contribute to ongoing debates on the future of journalism in the digital era, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies to navigate the complexities of social media–driven news ecosystems.

Authors:
Athenkosi Sigenu, University of South Africa, South Africa
Nokuthula Grace Langa, University of South Africa, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Mr. Athenkosi Sigenu is a dedicated advocate for digital inclusion and a committed scholar in the field of communication science. Originally from the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, Mr. Sigenu grew up in an environment characterized by limited

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenkosi-sigenu-b8115612a/

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