AN INTERESTING discussion ensued over local tech podcast “Tech Sabado” last Saturday when the discussion crossed over to trying to clarify the blurry difference between journalists and online platforms, including bloggers and vloggers.
The show’s hosts, Jing Garcia of the Manila Times, Atty. Melvin Calimag of newsbytes.ph and Malaya Business Insight’s tech editor Raymond Tribdino were arguing over the credibility of online platforms, and the ethics of the blogging and vlogging community as well as the definitions of content creation within the ethics of journalism.
The digital revolution has irrevocably transformed the media landscape, giving rise to a proliferation of bloggers and social media content creators who challenge the traditional role of journalists. While this has led to greater accessibility and diversity of information, it has also fueled the spread of disinformation, muddying the waters of truth and raising questions about the responsibility of information purveyors.
However, the recent issue involving the allegations that discredited Manila Bulletin tech editor Art Samaniego, Jr., and a hacker only known as ‘Kang Kong’ who also happens to be the newspaper’s data security officer. The Catch-22 situation Samaniego will be in, if the allegations prove true, also has the information and cyber security community scampering to form an ethics code to guide those who cover the cybersecurity beat.
Historically, the distinction between bloggers and journalists was clear-cut. Journalists, often affiliated with established news organizations, adhered to rigorous ethical standards, fact-checking protocols, and editorial oversight. Bloggers, on the other hand, were independent writers, often expressing personal opinions and experiences with varying degrees of accuracy and accountability.
To have commanded an employee to hack into networks, to be able to report on it and write content to increase audiences, as possibly monetize of such actions was seen as deplorable by the Tech Sabado hosts. In this act, certain standards and ethics were clearly violated. But in the delivery of information by online platform creators, virality (and therefore monetization) becomes the motivation, not the delivery of accurate information.
Communication professors from different spheres agree that the rise of digital platforms has blurred these lines. Bloggers now command vast audiences, wielding influence that rivals or even surpasses that of traditional media outlets.
Some bloggers have embraced journalistic principles, while some journalists have adopted the informal, opinionated style of blogging. This convergence has created a complex ecosystem where the source and veracity of information are not always readily apparent.
One of the most concerning consequences of this shift is the proliferation of disinformation — false or misleading information deliberately spread to deceive. In the absence of gatekeepers and editorial controls, unverified and unvetted stories can quickly go viral, shaping public opinion and influencing real-world events.
The 2020 Philippine elections serve as a stark example. Disinformation campaigns, often fueled by anonymous social media accounts and partisan blogs, targeted candidates with baseless accusations and manipulated narratives. These campaigns sowed confusion and distrust, undermining the democratic process.
Similarly, the Antifa movement in the United States has been the subject of rampant disinformation, with false claims about their organization, tactics, and goals circulating widely online. These narratives have been used to justify violence and suppression, further polarizing an already divided society.
In this era of information overload, the role of the Fourth Estate — the press — is more critical than ever. Journalists are tasked with upholding the principles of accuracy, impartiality, and accountability, serving as a bulwark against the tide of disinformation.
However, bloggers and social media content creators also bear a responsibility. While they may not be bound by the same ethical codes as journalists, they have a moral obligation to ensure the accuracy of their reporting and to avoid spreading harmful falsehoods. The power of their platforms demands a commensurate level of responsibility.
The digitalization of information has undoubtedly democratized access, allowing a wider range of voices to be heard. However, it has also opened the floodgates to a torrent of unfiltered, often unreliable content. The question is whether this represents a net gain or a net loss for society.
While the internet has empowered individuals to share their stories and hold powerful institutions accountable, it has also created an environment where falsehoods can flourish and truth can become elusive. The challenge lies in finding a balance between free expression and responsible communication, ensuring that the democratization of information does not lead to its degradation.
Addressing the disinformation crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. Media literacy education is crucial, equipping individuals with the skills to critically evaluate information and distinguish between fact and fiction.
Tech companies must take a more proactive role in curbing the spread of disinformation on their platforms, implementing stricter content moderation policies and promoting transparency in their algorithms.
Journalists and bloggers alike must recommit to the principles of ethical reporting, prioritizing accuracy and truthfulness over sensationalism and clickbait.
The battle against disinformation is a shared responsibility. It requires a collective effort from individuals, institutions, and technology companies to protect the integrity of information and ensure that the digital revolution serves as a force for enlightenment, not deception. The future of our democracy may depend on it. — with RGBT
