The 5 Ways Social Media Tools Uncover Hidden News Angles

Currently, social media has become the main source of information for internet users. Although there are still news portals like this one, the truth is that a much larger number of people check these networks, which is why news portals have started using them as a means to transmit information.

However, the problem begins when the news suffers from some defect that affects its credibility: an anonymous author, unreliable sources, or even a completely sensationalist publication. For this reason, social media has implemented ideas to combat such a situation, five to be precise:
1. Social Media as a Search Tool
Social media is a very useful tool for obtaining information, as according to a study conducted by ExpressVPN, internet users turn to these portals much more than to conventional search engines like Google or Bing.

This doesn't detract from these engines, as they can provide much more specific results than social media.
2. Cookies and Search History
All web portals collect information about their visitors, information that is used for two main purposes:
● Create a feed so that users can more easily find what they are looking for.
● Offer advertising about products related to the user's search.

Of course, it is also possible to limit the information that these cookies gather about each user.
3. Anonymity Damages Information
How can one believe information or news from someone anonymous? No, this is not a reference to Anonymous; this has to do with the fight against anonymity that social media is carrying out, as misleading the public is one of those objectives that these networks want to eliminate completely.

It is worth mentioning that spreading false information is punishable by Spanish law, with charges that can vary depending on the severity of the information. Generally, it involves fines up to years of imprisonment.

 
4. Who Is the News Directed To?
The creation of groups is precisely the alternative to this dilemma, or at least in the case of Facebook. These groups are created with the aim of sharing information with a specific target audience, such as those who only seek news about soccer or other sports, or those who prefer to know the news of the region where they live.

The cookies mentioned earlier are very helpful in finding these groups, although the search engines of social media can also be used to find them much more easily.
5. Filters and Reports
Finally, all social media without exception have the ability to block certain types of content to prevent it from being part of the user's feed. It is also possible to report some type of information if it is considered to be against morality or encourages some type of lascivious or criminal act, in which case it will be examined and potentially removed from the network.
Social Media: More Than Information Tools
Social media has become a window to the real world, but the information available on them should not be taken literally, and it is always advised to seek confirmation on reliable and recognized web portals.