Algorithmic Media and Objectivity.
When journalism first started to make an impact on society, it was the main focus for gathering Information, truth and objectivity on a certain subject. Truth and objectivity were the pillars of the process. According to “Ethical journalism network”. One of the five core principles of journalism is “ Truth and Accuracy” where journalists should always seek accuracy, and provide all the facts. Nowadays, with the rise of social media platforms and technologies, any individual can share his own ideology and interact with each other. The diversity of thought in society creates an interactive society rather than a passive one. Yet this does not change the fact that objectivity is difficult to acquire, since individuals tend to view facts according to their own way of thinking.
Politics and journalism may be used as an example to show that being completely objective can lead to an unwanted result. One reason as to why it is challenging for journalists to reach balance in their reporting, is because it is for a journalist’s benefit to stick to a certain political power. Thus, making it hard for them to reach balance.
The emergence of social media to the larger society has greatly shifted our basic understanding of traditional objectivity. Furthermore it has helped journalism in a way where the voice the people can be heard much quicker, and easier than in past times. Also, a huge benefit coming from social media is the concept of diversity and diverse opinions. Yet, the question here asks itself, does this so called diverse opinion actually reach the intended subject? Or is just merely scratching the surface and giving the people what they want?
With the help of social networking, spreading a message to the masses is as simple as pressing a button. In addition, the main intention of those hugely successful social media platforms is presenting the user with the information that is relevant to them. In other words, media algorithms. That whole process that has just been mentioned is a direct opposition for objectivity, and neutrality. Since, the algorithmic process that was talked about promotes bias. Of course, with extreme bias and subjectivity, arrives the probability of fake news. Usually, the main reason for hiding the truth is to support a certain candidate or side. Such behavior is not only harmful for the viewers, but is also affective for younger generations who are made to believe, in their education, an idea that was not true from the start.
The first step to battle the wrongful or irrelevant news that is put up on our screens regularly is to be aware of that issue. Fake news is around in many different forms such as elections, convictions, and so on. Yet, awareness is only the beginning, to ensure objectivity and neutrality, the journalists themselves must be true to their nature and seek the ultimate truth in the daily news and daily events.
References :
Agrawal. (2016, April 20). What Do Social Media Algorithms Mean For You? Retrieved from:
Chobanian, E. (2015, December/January). THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA AND POLITICIANS. Retrieved October 16, 2018, from : http://www.araratonline.com/en/2015/12/the-relationship-between-media-and-politicians-essay-by-elena-chobanian/
Five Principles of Journalism — Media Ethics. (n.d.). Retrieved October 16, 2018, from : https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org/who-we-are/5-principles-of-journalism
