clipped from www.pbs.org

The Benefits and Pitfalls of Using Social Media for Reporting

But with this ease of access to information and individuals comes an inherent risk. Online communities — like villages and workplaces — are breeding grounds for rumors and speculation. And the nature of some of the tools we use might lead to inconsistent, incomplete and all-around incorrect information. Using social media tools to write a story has both its pros and cons, but with a little common sense and professionalism these tools can be very helpful.