By: Ikkz Ikbal
In the hustle and bustle of the streets of downtown, in between the buzz of the city, a scene unfolded. He was pursuing his target with a camera ( mobile phone ) in one hand and the tightly gripped microphone in the other. And she was in distress and anguish, covering her face to avoid his lens and the people around.
“Why are you hiding from the camera?”
He asked her in reproachful tone. “Don’t you want to tell your side of the story?”
“I-I just want to be left alone,”she stammered, her voice was trembling with emotions. “I have done nothing wrong. Please, stop.”
He was asking her in a high tone with the lens of his camera focussed on her face. His voice was troubling her. His questions were growing awkwardly annoying with every passing moment. He seemed oblivious to her distress and was in pursuit of sensationalism and views.
People were confused seeing all this and thought whether to intervene or not while looking helpless. They were witnessing Journalism being murdered. In front of their eyes, the line between journalism and exploitation had become dangerously blurred.
Is this truly the essence of Journalism? has Journalism lost its credibility in the pursuit of fame and fortune, who is accountable for all this? All these questions crossed my mind.
Journalism is a noble profession and has a history way back to the beginning of human existence when humans transformed their thoughts into words and pictures. Journalism is considered as fourth and valuable pillar of democracy.
But in today’s digital age, social media has revolutionized the way we consume news and information. Everyone is holding a camera in the form of a mobile phone and therefore transforming intoa citizen journalist, reaching everywhere, breaking the news and, many a times, harassing people in the process. This has led to the loss of credibility to this profession.
The so-called self-made “Facebook Journalists” or Social media reporters are growing rapidly. Everyone is showing their presence to report events, share opinions or even conduct investigations. Journalism has drastically lost its credibility over the past few years. The news is being spread without checking the source. It has given rise to ethical and professional concerns.
Usually, the so-called self-made Social Media Journalists lack the formal training and accreditation. Gone are the days when Journalists could check and double-check sources, or take time to develop a story. They always adhered to an established code of conduct.
These self-proclaimed reporters on social media platforms lack the basic knowledge and ethical framework essential to responsible journalism. Without a certificate or degree in journalism, these individuals may inadvertently perpetuate misinformation, engage in sensationalism, or even resort to defamation in their pursuit of views and engagement.
The instantaneous nature of social media Journalism where everything must be shared NOW, sometimes leads to disastrous consequences. The harm caused by irresponsible reporting is inevitable. The race of breaking news first without fact checking and accuracy leads to spreading rumours and falsehood. Some individuals engage in harassment and character assassination. This has led to erosion of professionalism and credibility in journalism.
The advent of Social Media Journalism raises fundamental questions about the credibility and integrity of the fourth estate. In this digital age where anyone with a smartphone can proclaim themselves to be a Journalist. The reliability and authenticity have become a matter of concern.
However, all hope is not lost for the future of journalism. As the concerns about misinformation and unethical behavior in Journalism rise, the importance of media literacy and ethical guidelines has become the need of the hour. Initiatives need to be made for the promotion of responsible journalism. The masses must distinguish between credible sources and fake journalism. A collective effort is required to uphold the principles of journalistic integrity.
As we navigate the complexity of modern journalism, it is crucial to know that the democratization of journalism brings both opportunities and responsibilities. While many social media influencers have participated in public discourse like never before. There is a need for robust ethical standards and critical journalistic literacy.
The credibility of journalism depends not on the medium through which it is presented, but on the principles of accuracy, fairness and accountability.
While holding your smartphone in your hand, journalists must uphold these principles to safeguard the integrity of their profession and earn the trust of their audience.
In an era where the distinction between citizens and the journalist is becoming increasingly blurred, it becomes crucial for all of us to critically evaluate the information we consume and to demand integrity, transparency and ethical behaviour from the journalists. Only through collective vigilance and a commitment to truth can we ensure that journalism fulfils its essential role in a democratic society.
The writer has a PG in Biotechnology and is Administrator in Maryam Memorial Institute PandithporaQaziabad.
email: ikkzikbal@gmail.com
