While reading Mobile And Social Media Journalism it occurred to me that at points the book stressed the difference between consumer’s shared interests and content and what is actually news. User generated content is important but those working in the newsrooms are still the gatekeepers. We have adjusted to how consumers want to get their news which meant turning to the mobile first approach and trying to make the news we share with consumers engaging through means such as interactive videos and constantly being accessible and consistent through social media accounts and making ourselves approachable. As I read this book I wonder if catering to consumers so much has been detrimental to the purpose of news. Has the definition of what news is changed along with how it is shared?

As journalists we are expected to tell people what is newsworthy but now that we must compete for clicks I wonder if I will ever find myself writing a story that’s purely click bait and actually being ok with that. Technology gives us the ability to immerse viewers and listeners in the stories we’re sharing but it also has a way of desensitizing us and distracting us from what is important. As I continue to read this book I will look for ways to influence my audience as well as cater to them.