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By: Ellie Burgueno, Journalist and Writer
- Why Real Journalism Requires More Than Likes and Shares
In today’s digital age, the proliferation of social media platforms has democratized content creation, allowing individuals to share information widely and rapidly. This shift has led some to equate personal social media pages, such as Facebook profiles, with established media outlets. However, conflating the two overlooks critical distinctions in credibility, accountability, and operational structure. While social media plays an essential role in information dissemination, it cannot replace the journalistic standards upheld by professional news organizations.
Traditional media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and broadcast stations, operate under rigorous editorial standards and ethical guidelines. They are legally registered entities with official websites, dedicated editorial teams, and often a history of journalistic integrity. Legacy media companies like NBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have built their reputations over decades, adhering to strict journalistic practices to ensure accuracy and impartiality. These organizations are accountable to regulatory bodies and their audiences, providing recourse in cases of misinformation or ethical breaches. Additionally, most publishers and editors in these organizations are professionally trained individuals with academic backgrounds in journalism, investigative reporting, writing, and even business management. Their expertise, combined with years of experience, ensures that reporting meets the highest standards of accuracy, ethics, and public accountability.
A Journalist’s Journey: From Passion to Profession
My passion for writing and my childhood dream led me to journalism. Over time, I developed my journalistic skills through various educational programs, including those at CUNY University in New York and New York University’s Digital Journalism Program. These programs helped me polish my craft and transform my passion for storytelling into a professional journey. While the formal training took years, the real expertise has come from working within newsrooms and gaining hands-on experience. Journalism is not only about learning writing styles and techniques—it is about continuously refining your skills and understanding the responsibility that comes with shaping public opinion.
After beginning work on my first book in 2007 and accumulating years of experience in the legal field as an Immigration Consultant and Certified Interpreter and Translator in both English and Spanish, I found myself increasingly drawn into the world of journalism. My first significant step came when the director of La Voz de la Frontera—one of the oldest and most respected regional daily newspapers in the border region—invited me to share some of my essays. He complimented me on my poetic writing style, which led to my weekly column, Articulated Muse, in which I wrote for three consecutive years without pay. This experience solidified my resolve to be recognized as a writer and helped shape the voice I continue to use in my work.
As time went on, I encountered numerous instances where people suffered from power abuse, discrimination, and mistreatment due to a lack of information about their rights. Motivated by the desire to close this gap, I decided to launch Beyond Borders Gazette. Initially envisioned as a legal publication, it was designed to feature in-depth articles from attorneys and experts to empower the public. However, as the publication grew, we expanded its content, diversified its coverage, and incorporated advertisements to maintain its sustainability, ensuring it remained free to readers.
The Digital Divide: Social Media vs. Professional Journalism
There are many ways in which various reputable publications have started, but it’s important to highlight that, unlike the rigorous editorial processes followed by professional news organizations, a Facebook page is a user-generated profile that allows individuals or groups to share content without any supervision. While some influencers have built large audiences and spread news, their content lacks the validation process standard in established newsrooms. A 2024 study by Pew Research Center revealed that 54% of adults in the U.S. get news from social media platforms, with Facebook being a primary source. However, the same study pointed out that users often encounter one-sided or inaccurate news on these platforms, raising concerns about the reliability of information disseminated through these channels.
The danger of misinformation is amplified by the lack of accountability. Unlike news organizations that must adhere to defamation laws and journalistic ethics, social media influencers and independent pages operate without direct consequences for spreading false information. This distinction underscores why social media pages should not be confused with legitimate news sources.
The Elon Musk Factor: Undermining Traditional Journalism
Elon Musk’s acquisition and rebranding of Twitter to X have further blurred the lines between social media and legitimate news sources. Musk has been vocal in his criticism of mainstream media, using his platform to promote the idea that social media can replace traditional journalism. For example, he has repeatedly attacked NPR and other legacy media outlets, encouraging people to distrust conventional news sources. His influence has had real-world consequences; Tesla’s brand perception in Europe has suffered significantly due to his alignment with far-right political narratives, leading to a 45% drop in European sales in early 2025.
Musk’s attempt to position X as a primary news platform is problematic because journalism is a profession that requires education, training, and ethical standards. Just as engineering, medicine, and business administration require years of study and experience, journalism demands expertise in research, fact-checking, and responsible reporting. Most professional journalists spend years honing their craft in academic institutions and gaining real-world experience in newsrooms before becoming editors or publishers. By dismissing these principles and encouraging the public to rely on unverified social media sources, Musk risks eroding the foundation of journalistic integrity and public trust in factual reporting.
Social Media as a Supportive Tool
While social media should not replace traditional journalism, it can serve as a valuable tool for media organizations. Established news organizations utilize platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X to reach broader audiences and engage with readers in real time. For example, legacy media companies have adapted to TikTok’s growing influence among younger demographics by sharing credible news in bite-sized formats. However, these efforts do not replace the rigorous editorial processes that ensure the reliability of their content.
Spain’s La Vanguardia recently ceased posting on X due to concerns over misinformation and conspiracy theories proliferating on the platform. This move reflects the growing recognition that social media, without strict content moderation, can become a breeding ground for disinformation rather than a credible news source.
The digital revolution has provided unprecedented access to information, but it has also increased the risk of misinformation. While social media platforms have revolutionized communication, equating a Facebook page with a legally registered and accredited magazine overlooks fundamental differences in credibility, accountability, and operational integrity. Recognizing these distinctions is crucial for maintaining an informed and discerning public. Journalism is not a hobby; it is a profession that requires skill, ethics, and dedication to truth. As consumers of information, we must remain vigilant and prioritize reliable sources over the fleeting appeal of viral content.
