3. Shirky describes that the Internet gives us a many-to-many pattern when it comes to networks. How might this be beneficial or detrimental to journalists needing to decide between personal and observational sources?

Find the explanation below.

Explanation:

Many-to-many pattern provided by the internet refers to the ability of the internet to spread information among a wide audience who can access the message at the same time. This feature of the internet would prove beneficial to the journalist in making his choice because;

1. He would then have to resort to the observational sources which also has some advantages which include the following;

a. It is less time-consuming as he can obtain the opinions of people on different subjects in a short space of time.

b. It is easier. The logistics involved in going to obtain information from personal sources can b by-passed.

c. The chances of getting more accurate information is higher as most people are more expressive on the internet.

The detriments of the many-to-many pattern of the internet for this journalist would mean;

1. By-cutting the personal sources of information that are more reliable and authentic.

2. Depending on anonymous sources that cannot be easily referenced.