Navigating the Digital Jungle: Social Media's Relationship to Journalism

This thesis is an examination of the relationship between journalism and social media. It begins by exploring the current landscape of journalism in the digital age and to what extent the benefits of social media are being harnessed by journalists, and what can happen when social media is misused by journalists. It continues with analyses of interviews with eight practicing journalists on their experiences working with social media and their employers' expectations of them. This thesis maintains that, despite its downfalls, social media remains a valuable tool for reporters and newsrooms. It also recognizes that there is a significant gap in communication when it comes to the expectations of how social media should be used by journalists and how they are currently using it. It concludes with a proposal of emerging best practices and potential stipulations for the future implementation of newsroom social media policies.