A REFLECTIVE ESSAY AND THE IMPORTANT OF ONLINE AND DIGITAL JOURNALISM

Navigating the Digital Ethical Landscape: A Reflection on the Importance of Ethical Considerations in Digital Journalism.

As I, Benedicta Amegah, embark on my journey as a student journalist, I find solace in the power of words and the profound impact they wield on society. Born with an innate curiosity about the world and a passion for storytelling, my decision to pursue journalism as a course in school was a natural evolution of my interests.

Growing up, I was captivated by the narratives that unfolded through the pages of newspapers, the voices that resonated through radio broadcasts, and the visuals that told compelling stories on television screens. It became evident to me that journalism wasn't merely a profession but a gateway to understanding, connecting, and influencing the world around us.

One of the driving forces behind my choice of journalism is the belief in its transformative potential. Journalism serves as a bridge between information and understanding, shedding light on untold stories and giving voice to the voiceless. In a world inundated with information, journalism acts as a compass, guiding individuals through the complexities of global events and societal changes.

As a student journalist, I see myself as part of a noble tradition, entrusted with the responsibility to unearth truths, challenge assumptions, and foster informed discourse. The prospect of being on the frontline, asking questions that need answers, and holding those in power accountable is both thrilling and humbling. Journalism, to me, is not just a course of study; it's a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and the relentless quest for truth.

Moreover, journalism aligns seamlessly with my desire to contribute positively to society. By choosing this path, I envision playing a role in shaping public opinion, fostering transparency, and advocating for social justice. The dynamic nature of journalism allows me to explore various facets of human experience, from the triumphs to the challenges, with the aim of fostering empathy and understanding among diverse audiences.

My journey into the realm of journalism is fueled by a passion for storytelling, a commitment to truth, and a deep-seated desire to contribute meaningfully to the world. As I navigate the intricate landscape of student journalism, I eagerly anticipate the opportunities for growth, learning, and making a tangible impact on the way stories are told, heard, and understood.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital journalism, where information is disseminated at the speed of a click and the boundaries between news and entertainment blur, ethical considerations have become more crucial than ever. As digital platforms shape the way we consume and share news, the ethical responsibilities of journalists are magnified, necessitating a thoughtful reflection on the implications of their choices. This essay explores the significance of ethical considerations in digital journalism through real-world examples that highlight the impact of these decisions on both the media industry and the wider society.

 

The Speed Dilemma: Accuracy vs. Timeliness

 

One of the primary challenges faced by digital journalists is the need for immediacy. Social media platforms and online news outlets thrive on breaking news, often leading to a race against time. However, this race has frequently resulted in the compromise of accuracy. The 2013 Boston Marathon bombing serves as a stark example of the consequences of prioritizing speed over precision. In the chaotic aftermath of the incident, numerous news organizations, in their haste to be the first to report, disseminated inaccurate information. Innocent individuals were wrongly accused, and the public was left with a distorted narrative. This incident underscores the ethical obligation of journalists to balance the demand for speed with the responsibility to verify and corroborate information before dissemination.

 

Digital journalism has ushered in an era of heightened competition for readership and engagement. In the pursuit of clicks and shares, some media outlets have succumbed to sensationalism, sacrificing journalistic integrity for the sake of attention-grabbing headlines. The 2016 "Pizzagate" conspiracy theory, which falsely claimed a child sex-trafficking ring linked to high-profile individuals in a Washington, D.C. pizzeria, exemplifies the dangerous consequences of clickbait culture. This incident not only endangered lives but also emphasized the imperative for journalists to prioritize truth over sensational narratives. Ethical considerations demand a commitment to responsible reporting that withstands the allure of click-driven revenue.