By: Satyavan Saurabh
The role of the media has changed in recent years. There is a severe lack of independent and impartial journalism. The rampant misuse of media to polarize society has made the situation worse. The role of media as a watchdog is important in a democracy to expose errors and wrongdoings. Media provides a platform for people to discuss and debate news on any topic. This interaction of people from different backgrounds strengthens civic engagement in society.
Fake news is not a new phenomenon associated with the rise of social media. The looming menace of fake news can have an unprecedented impact on the electoral cycle, raising serious questions about the integrity of democratic elections, policy-making, and our society at large. Computational propaganda is the use of algorithms, automation, and human curation to purposefully distribute misleading information on social media networks.
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Media companies unable to balance competing interests have been unable to balance national security concerns with capitalist motivations for profit. Media anchors can comment on matters of law and order and national security without any responsibility to increase viewership with half-incomplete opinions. Intolerance to opposite views one of the most common criticisms of implicit journalism or media is that where people only see the points of view they agree with and isolates us to polarization.
With the advent of social media and technological changes, the reach of media has increased significantly. Its reach and role in influencing public opinion have made it all the more important. Sensational reporting compromised the identity of rape victims and survivors despite Supreme Court guidelines. Fake news and yellow journalism are important concerns affecting the public and affecting national security. For example, spreading fear through the media has led to mob lynchings, and attacks on migrant populations.
In developing countries like India, the media has a great responsibility to fight backward ideas like casteism and communalism and to help people in the struggle against poverty and other social evils. Therefore, having journalistic ethics becomes very important. (The author is a Research Scholar, poet, independent journalist, and columnist at All India Radio and TV panellist. He can be reached at satywanverma333@gmail.com)
