From TikTok to Truth: Can Social Media Be a Force for Good in News Sharing?
Scrolling through TikTok one evening, I stumbled upon a post about a local protest. Short clips showed heartfelt speeches, hand-painted signs, and a vibe I couldn’t ignore. Within minutes, I was invested—reading more, looking for updates, and even considering how I could help. By midnight, I realized something remarkable had happened. TikTok, the app I mainly associate with dance challenges and hilarious pet videos, had become my go-to source for breaking news.
But here’s the thing—social media, as powerful as it can be in spreading news, walks a fine line. It can either enlighten and empower or spread misinformation faster than the speed of a trending sound.
That night, I wondered if platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter (or X, as it’s now called) could really be forces for good in news sharing. After a bit of digging—and connecting my own experiences—I’ve arrived at some interesting truths.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media News
Social media is brilliantly disruptive when it comes to reporting the news. On the positive side, it’s instant, raw, and accessible. But on the flip side, it’s also unfiltered and, sometimes, unreliable. Before we dig into whether it can truly be a “force for good,” it’s important to unpack both sides of the equation.
The Pros of Social Media in News Sharing
- Speed and Accessibility: One advantage social media has over traditional outlets is its lightning-fast updates. When events unfold, platforms like Twitter and TikTok often share snippets in real time. Case in point—just last month, a friend alerted me to an earthquake based on a tweet before the local emergency alert came through. Many people, myself included, check social platforms first when news breaks.
- Giving a Voice to the Voices Less Heard: Something I love about platforms like TikTok and Instagram is how they amplify marginalized voices. Traditional media doesn’t always cover community-driven events or niche social causes, but social media makes it possible for them to go global. Remember the surge of activism during the Black Lives Matter movement? Social apps provided a stage for individuals and grassroots organizations to gain traction, organize protests, and spread awareness.
- A New Kind of Journalism Citizen journalism is a social media phenomenon that has completely reshaped how we get our news. I’ve seen firsthand how ordinary citizens with no journalistic background share compelling, viral stories. Think about viral Instagram posts covering issues like the war in Ukraine or environmental disasters. Their rawness and urgency create an emotional connection traditional media sometimes fails to achieve.
- Engagement that Inspires Action: What makes social content so gripping is that it’s interactive. Viewers don’t just read or watch the news—they comment, share, and even mobilize. Once I reposted a call for donations to a relief effort on my Instagram, and within days, my small circle of followers had pooled together hundreds of dollars.
The Challenges Social Media Faces in News Sharing
Of course, it’s naive to think it’s all rainbows and sunshine. Social media, for all its strengths, has glaring flaws. For example, how many times have you encountered a piece of “news,” only to discover later it was an outright hoax? (I’ve been duped more times than I care to admit.)
- Misinformation and Echo Chambers: The biggest issue we face is the spread of misinformation. There have been countless instances where doctored videos or manipulated facts gained traction. Couple that with algorithm-driven feeds, and you’ve got echo chambers that reinforce biases, rather than presenting balanced perspectives.
- Lack of Accountability: Unlike traditional journalists or reporters who are bound by strict codes of ethics, anyone with a smartphone can publish “news” on social media. This lack of accountability creates confusion over reliability. I always find myself fact-checking news stories by cross-referencing multiple sources—something not everyone takes the time to do.
- Short Attention Spans and Sensationalism: The format of social media—quick swipes, short captions, and flashy visuals—makes it ideal for catchy headlines but often sacrifices depth. Recently, I watched a TikTok overview of a global crisis that barely skated over the challenges. It was engaging, sure, but it lacked context. And context is everything when shaping an informed perspective.
How Social Media Platforms Are Tackling the Challenges
If you think the giants of the tech world have turned a blind eye to these issues, you’d be wrong. Behind the scenes, many platforms are taking steps to combat the bad while amplifying the good.
1. Fact-Checking Partnerships
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have partnered with fact-checking organizations to flag false information. The moment I see a pop-up warning me about a post being “potentially misleading,” I pause and investigate further. It’s not a perfect system, but it’s a step in the right direction.
2. Algorithms for Good
While algorithms can fuel echo chambers, they can also be adjusted to promote balanced content. Instagram, for instance, has started recommending trusted news sources whenever a user searches trending global issues. I’ve personally noticed my explore page filling up with educational—and credible—content following an international disaster.
3. Encouraging Media Literacy
Another heartening trend is campaigns aimed at media literacy. Social media has the power to teach us how to detect unreliable sources or recognize sensationalized content. TikTok, for example, recently ran a campaign encouraging users to “research before they repost.”
What You Can Do to Make Social Media a Force for Good
We’ve talked a lot about what social media platforms are doing, but what about us? The good news is that we don’t have to wait for tech execs to fix everything. There are small, actionable steps we can all take to make social media a more reliable place for news sharing.
1. Be a Skeptical Consumer
Whenever you encounter breaking news, take a step back. Check the source. Look for corroboration from reliable news outlets. If something seems exaggerated or out of place, it probably is.
2. Think Before You Share
I’ve learned this the hard way—don’t hit “share” in the heat of the moment. Take a minute to verify the information first. It’s a small gesture that makes a big difference.
3. Report False Information
If you come across content that is clearly misleading, report it. Most platforms have mechanisms in place that rely on user reports to weed out falsehoods.
4. Follow Verified Accounts
Stick to journalists, organizations, and sources with a proven track record of credibility. Over time, you’ll develop a feed filled with thoughtful, balanced reporting.
5. Support Ethical Content Creators
Believe it or not, you also have the power to amplify good content. Whether it’s sharing reliable infographics or commenting on thoughtful posts, your engagement can help boost the work of creators who focus on sharing trustworthy news.
The Social Media Balancing Act
We’re living in an era where social media no longer just plays a supporting role in news sharing—it’s center stage. It has changed the way we consume, connect to, and act upon information. With all its imperfections, its power to spread truth and inspire action remains undeniable.
If we as individuals, creators, and platforms work together, there’s a stronger chance we can harness its potential for good. After all, just like that TikTok protest video I stumbled upon, there’s hope in how social media can connect us to events that truly matter.
What do you think? Is social media pulling its weight as a positive force for news, or does it still have a long way to go? Share your thoughts in the comments below—because every perspective counts.
