While twitter seems to be working its way into the world as a new source of news, one has to question whether it is fulfilling the role journalism is supposed to play. With the recent attacks on Mumbai, it is evident that twitter is now playing a part in providing a news like forum where people can discuss the news on their own. Tweets on the discussion of Mumbai's attacks poured in and are still pouring into twitter.com. The ability for people to get their voice heard on the matter at first appears to be a strength, which it is; however, the freedom of speech can be misleading. People on twitter claim to be eye-witnesses when in reality they aren't and blanket statements are common. There is a trend of self proclaimed authority seen throughout twitter.
While this rapid access to tweets seems to be the future of journalism, I believe it will be the future of teasers. Just like we use catchy headlines to attract classmates to our blogs, the news organizations will need to use twitter to give the reader a heads up about tomorrows news or to draw them to their website to view the full story. Then readers can have an open forum on the article viewed over twitter where they can voice their opinion, but it won't be taken as fact.
Twitter is a new tool that can be considered successful in letting everyone have their say, but it can't be taken as serious news.
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