Twitter and other social media platforms allow for people from around the world to connect and share ideas. But recently, media  has not had the impact that many would expect of  a platform where news and opinions transform freely and honestly. During major events, such as the horrific Las Vegas shooting, flagrantly spread false information can have a direct impact on people’s opinions and ideas. For example, as many were trying to determine who the suspect of the shooting was, a relatively major newscaster claimed they had sources that knew the attack was perpetrated by a radical Islamist.

At the time, police were unsure of the perpetrator and the motive, and this relayed information clearly turned out to be incorrect. This is a prime example of incorrect information spread over Twitter. Another example is a popular tweet that stated that anyone can get a gun, and directly linked this incorrect statement as to why this shooting occurred. This is another false fact, but many believe in its authenticity and tout it as a reason for gun control. As less and less people watch the news, many have started to get their news from social media outlets such as Twitter.

While Twitter can be useful for spreading news, opinions, or entertainment purposes, people should make sure to check the facts behind tweets, and not openly believe everything they see on Twitter. Twitter cannot fully control the information that is put out on their platform, nor do I believe they should, which is why it is important for people to read tweets with a grain of salt. Although you may agree with what someone says on Twitter, it may not be correct. Everyone should attempt to find the truth in life and Twitter could be a viable option, but only if you research and question the information that people put on it. Hopefully the truth is able to be found more regularly on Twitter, but since it is open to everyone, it is extremely unlikely.