Nieman Reports

Summer 2012

Truth in the Age of Social Media

Cover for Summer 2012

Verifying information has always been central to the work of journalists. These days the task has taken on a new level of complexity due to the volume of videos, photos, and tweets that journalists face. It’s not only the volume that presents challenges but the sophisticated tools that make it easier than ever to manipulate information. This issue of Nieman Reports looks at how the BBC, the AP, CNN, and other news organizations are addressing questions of truth and verification.

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Cover Story: Truth in the Age of Social Media

Facts and Friction

By From the Curator July 9, 2012

Verifying information has always been central to the work of journalists. These days the task has taken on a new level of complexity due to the volume of videos, photos, and tweets that journalists face. It’s not only the volume that presents challenges but the sophisticated tools that make it easier than ever to manipulate information. This issue of Nieman Reports looks at how the BBC, the AP, CNN, and other news organizations are addressing questions of truth and verification. Read more

The Process of Verification

Technology July 12, 2012

RELATED ARTICLE “Finding the Wisdom in the Crowd” – Mark Little Join the conversation on twitter using the hashtag #NRTruth In March, Storyful’s sources in Syria tweeted that security forces … Read more

Doubting Amina

By Technology July 6, 2012

The biggest hoax of 2011 fooled activists and journalists alike. One writer and free speech advocate explains why so many wanted to believe in the ‘Gay Girl in Damascus.’ Read more

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