A Word Of Advice For Young And Upcoming Journalists | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

A Word Of Advice For Young And Upcoming Journalists

We're reaching a new age.

12
A Word Of Advice For Young And Upcoming Journalists
Women's Health

My dad sends our family emails from time to time about college scholarships, black history, and just anything else that could feed the mind.

About a month ago, my dad sent me an email with a link to a Flipboard article entitled "Ta-Nehisi Coates's Advice to Young Journalists: Get Off Twitter".

As a young, aspiring journalist, who LOVES Twitter, I sat there in shock. My love for social media could get in the way of my career?

Okay, well I can't pretend like I didn't see that coming. Social media such as Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat has kept me distracted all throughout my high school career, and even part of my college career, so no wonder an adult would advise young people to get off of Twitter in sake of pursuing their dream career path.

However, I see news anchors and journalists on Twitter all the time. I feel as though Twitter is the best way to reach out to a whole new generation, a generation that "doesn't believe in watching the news".

Ta-Nehisi Coates, a Howard University alum, as well as a successful journalist and author, has advised against young journalists using Twitter.

He says this during an interview with Ezra Klein, who replies with what a lot of us would respond by saying, "Twitter is where you make your name; Twitter is where the people who might hire you are; Twitter is where the other journalists are; news happens on Twitter. Donald Trump ran his whole f****** campaign on Twitter!"

I mean, what could Coates possibly say to that? Klein is right. If our own President-Elect could win an election by spending his time writing on Twitter, why couldn't young journalists have that same success with the social media network?

Well, Ta-Nehisi Coates responds by referring to a woman that he admires. "One young writer I admire the hell out of is Sarah Stillman," Coates begins. "and I don’t know that she made her name on Twitter. She just won a MacArthur [fellowship], and I don’t think she got that on Twitter. I think she got that by being a tremendous reporter.

Coates, a Twitter user himself, does believe that Twitter could help a young journalist reach their potential, but he's "not sure you need it."

I, for one, will keep using Twitter, avidly I might add, but I will definitely keep this article and Ta-Nehisi Coates' words in mind.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

10 Things To Know About The First Semester Of College

10 things that most incoming college freshmen have no idea about.

419
campus
Pexels

Starting college is pretty scary and fun at the same time. You are free of your parents(in most cases) but this is the first time you have no idea what the heck is going on. Here are 10 things you may want to know going into your first semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

1191
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3899
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17971
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments