Twitter, now X, was once a useful site for breaking news. The Baltimore bridge collapse shows those days are long gone.

Twitter, now X, was once a useful site for breaking news. The Baltimore bridge collapse shows those days are long gone.

  • Seraph@kbin.social
    0·
    8 months ago

    I’d argue it was a good place for FAST news. For a lot of major events you can find posts and videos from users before the media releases anything, which is kind of a first for humanity at least in terms of accessibility.

    Now, if you’re looking for ACCURATE news…

    • tal@lemmy.todayEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      Yeah, I’d say that it was useful to gather sources that had to be vetted for accuracy. Honestly, I’d also say it made a good source for the media, where they’d have the job of vetting it and putting out material with more delay but also more accuracy.

      • Otter@lemmy.caEnglish
        0·
        8 months ago

        Yep I heard that it was great for journalists looking for info on a developing story. You could usually follow a hashtag around to find videos from different angles and witnesses to follow up with / interview.

        Hopefully that builds up on the new platforms too

    • Artyom@lemm.eeEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      It was good for fast news in the same way that I can multiply long numbers fast by always saying 62 immediately.

    • Meron35@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      8 months ago

      Its specific speed/accuracy tradeoff made it a very good fit for news which you need to know quickly, but had low stakes if it was incorrect. A great example of this transit delays/cancellations, where you probably don’t care about the specific reason why a train is delayed and just want alternative options asap.

      It was often much more effective to directly follow transit agencies and/or workers for info, rather than use their official website.