Q: How do you know what you know?

A: I know what I know because of my studies or from personal experiences.

Q: Name one new thing you learned using a social media site today and explain why you believe it is true.

A: Today, using a social media site I learned about the respiratory virus that is spreading among children. The virus, EV-D68, causes coughing and wheezing in its hosts and has caused some children to be admitted to the ICU; the virus has spread to approximately ten states so far.

Q: What source did you use to acquire this information?

A: I first saw a posting about this virus on Face Book and I looked it up for further information;  I used USA Today to acquire more information about it.

Q:  At times, are social media sites reliable for obtaining credible information?

 A: Yes, this is a straightforward story and is not requiring a lot of sources to verify the information. The main source which information is needed from is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Social media is helping with spreading awareness about this virus.

For more information refer to:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2014/09/08/respiratory-virus-midwest-children/15269751/?utm_source=feedblitz&utm_medium=FeedBlitzRss&utm_campaign=usatoday-newstopstories

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/09/08/midwest-enterovirus-hospitalizations/15277115/

Influence of the Media

Q: What forms of new media do you use daily? 

A: On a daily basis I use mainly use social networks such as Instagram, Face Book and Twitter. These  allow me to receive updates instantly as they are posted. Also, I keep myself informed with what is happening in the news being I do not watch television and cannot keep up with the news that way. 


Q: How has new social media influenced your perspective of events? Are these positive or negative influences?

A: New social media has allowed me to be more informed of events as they are occurring. I have also learned that when reading about these events, I cannot simply rely on one source to form an opinion. I read multiple sources, and gather an idea based on facts reported. My perspective of events are negative, being events reported are often biased based on the source.