Social media

The world changes constantly. When we studied we heard about the French Revolution or the Industrial Revolution as great moments of our history. I think that in the last century there have been a lot of changes. Sometimes I think that if my grandfather was still alive, he wouldn’t understand anything.

Don’t worry readers. I am not going to bore you writing about all the historical moments we have lived in the past hundred years. It would take me too long and I would have to choose from a big list. However, I would like to point out one of the recent changes that we have had in society: social media.

I have to start saying that I think that sometimes we give a lot of importance to some changes that don’t last much. However, in the case of Social Media it is true that it is something that has arrived to stay and I am sure that in future we will keep talking about them.

When I finished at high school nobody thought that digital newspapers had future. Now everybody thinks that the newspapers could disappear or that many of us will read them in our tablets, i-phones or laptops. Something similar has happened with Social Media.

Most people have an account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and every day of your life you have to keep an eye on them to see what is going on. You may not publish any content, but you read your tweet line, see the last posts of your friends or have a look to the photographs.

I think you can analyze Social Media from many points of view, but there is one I am really concerned: the influence in society. Social Media has given voice to anonymous people who can give their point of view, explain what is happening or inform about topics that governments, big companies, etc, don’t want to be made public.

I remember that thanks to Twitter everybody knew what was happening in Egypt and something similar is happening now in Honk Kong. People are letting know the world how the ‘Umbrella revolution’ is advancing and the first decision of the Chinese government is to ban the use of some Social Media as Instagram.

Honk Kong - Umbrella Revolution (Alex Hofford/EPA)

In a way, it is great news because it means that that people are achieving their aim and that the world has information that, probably, in normal conditions wouldn’t be as clear. Not all the points of view or statements have the same importance and we don’t have to take notice of all of them, but it is interesting to see the influence in our society and that now there are a lot of voices to explain reality.

Social Media has democratized information and each person in the world has become, in a way, a narrator of history. 10 years ago we wouldn’t been able to imagine that thousands of anonymous people would explain us the things that are happening in their country. When you think about it, it is incredible!

Social Media has changed our lifestyle and has a lot of benefits. Obviously, there are things that I don’t support or that deserve a longer debate, but we can’t ignore all the benefits. In any case, we will have to keep an eye on it to see what future will Social Media bring.

Getting worse

15 years ago I started to study Journalism. I think I always wanted to be a Journalist. During the Olympic Games held in Barcelona I tried to write a newspaper with my sister. When I played with my videogames I use to narrate the matches as if I was in the stadium. Obviously, Journalism is not only about narrating or writing, but things like these probably helped me to decide my future. After 15 years I am disappointed and I have lost faith in this profession.

When you tell people that you work as a Journalist, normally, they think it is a great job. They respect it despite in the last years the point of view of some people has changed due to some programs or professionals that give a very bad image.

I continue thinking that Journalism it’s a very respectful career or job but it is true that in the last years we have some examples that don’t help us.

I studied a lot and worked hard during all my life to become a Journalist. It cost me a lot to have an opportunity and I have worked thousands of hours (and I continue doing it) to achieve part of my dreams. I think I have a good academic training and I like to keep updated. I do really think that I deserve what I have been able to get.

However, this is not the reality. In the last years it looks like everyone can work as a Journalist. I receive a lot of calls saying that “I have a blog and...”. I am sorry but I don’t think that writing in a blog or chatting in a radio program gives you the same authority as a Journalist. Do you imagine a lawyer or a doctor working without studies? When it has happened, it has been newsworthy and the people involved have been thrown out.

Journalists have to fight for a job with politics, ex football players, celebrities or anyone who thinks that can work as a journalist. I don’t imagine a football player designing a house. 

I think our academic training  is important. Obviously, it is not a scientific career or you don’t have to read thousands of books, but all the things you do during the four years of University is important.

I think Journalist is in trouble and somebody should act. Maybe the Journalist School should force the newspapers, radio and press departments to contract people that have the career and that are collegiate members. I don’t know, but we have to try to be a respectful job. I know many times are the shame journalists who spoiled our profession but things can’t continue like these.

As I wrote a few months ago, we have to stand up for ourselves because we have to change things. I know that there have been meetings in the past and good wishes but nothing has been done. Do you have any idea?