The Rise of Social Media Reporters: Has Journalism Lost Its Credibility?

Ikkz Ikbal ✉

Amid the bustling downtown streets, enveloped in the vibrant energy, a compelling scene unfolded. He pursued his subject, balancing a mobile phone camera in one hand and clutching a microphone tightly in the other. Meanwhile, she, visibly distressed and anguished, shielded her face from both the lens and the curious onlookers surrounding her. The strange question echoed, "Why are you avoiding the camera? "He asked her in an accusing tone. “Don’t you want to tell your side of the story?”

Representative picture

“I, I, I......I just wanna be alone, “she stammered, her voice trembling with emotions. “I have done nothing wrong. Please, stop.”

He was asking her in a high tone with the camera focused 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.

The bystanders were confused seeing all this. Whether to intervene or not. They were looking helpless. They were witnessing Journalism being murdered. In their eyes, the line between journalism and exploitation had become dangerously blurred.

In between all this happening, from the standpoint of the Essence of Journalism, a few questions were running in my mind.

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?

Journalism is a noble profession & 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 most valuable pillar of democracy.

But in today’s digital age, social media have revolutionized the way we consume news and information. Everyone is holding a camera in the form of a mobile phone and a microphone in his hand. Everyone is becoming a citizen journalist, reaching everywhere, breaking the news and starting harassing people in the process. This has led to the loss of credibility in the field of journalism.

The so-called self-made “Facebook Journalists” or social media reporters are growing rapidly. Everyone is present 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 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 the spreading of rumours and falsehoods. Some individuals engage in harassment and character assassination. This has led to the 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. 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 behaviour 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.

Exploring the complexities of modern journalism, it's vital to understand that the democratization of journalism brings both opportunities and responsibilities. Social media influencers are now engaging in public discourse more than ever before. This highlights the urgent need for strong ethical standards and a deep understanding of journalistic principles.

The credibility of journalism hinges not on the platform it uses but on core values like accuracy, fairness, and accountability. When journalists use their smartphones, they must uphold these values to maintain the integrity of their profession and build trust with their audience.

In a time where the line between citizens and journalists is blurring, it's essential for everyone to critically assess the information they consume and demand integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct from journalists. Through collective vigilance and a commitment to truth, we can ensure that journalism fulfils its vital role in a democratic society.

The author has a PG in Biotechnology and is an Administrator in Maryam Memorial Institute Pandithpora Qaziabad