Social Journalism: concerns about contemporary communication models

With the proliferation of mobile devices and the digital sphere in media, the contemporary model of two-way communication within reporting has become the new norm. Consumers of news are able to engage with journalistic narratives more than ever before, whether via comment sections, a quick email to the writer, or even pitching their own ideas to publications. This two-way street can aid in perceived credibility/accountability of publications and journalists, finding tips and relevant story ideas, or simply giving a platform for citizens to give their opinion on any aspect of a story. But while this aspect of mobile journalism may foster interactivity and approachability within journalism, I wonder how much of this two-way model may be more of an illusion rather than fact. 

With the audience as the primary “gatekeeper” of news and an active participant in journalism, we may get more relevant, targeted stories with people-oriented framing. News comes quicker than ever, and journalists are able to get both visual and written elements with unique perspectives and a more visceral feel. But the dual communication model, I worry, may allow for a veil of transparency that doesn’t hold up. Not all social media is necessarily created equal: certain apps, like TikTok, have been described as “a news wasteland”, where hashtags like #breakingnews are dominated by misinformation. Also, within the societal effect of things like the 24-hour news cycle, an audience-dictated news cycle may leave large gaps in what is covered. Adornato brings up a study where what is trending on social media was shown to largely effect what newsrooms cover. While this may help in holistic reporting and finding what readers truly want to hear, I also ascribe to the belief that what is trending is not always necessarily the most newsworthy. 

A huge issue in this two-way street, and one that is often left out of talks about the two-way model of journalism, is that this also leaves journalists less protected than ever before. Journalists may become scared to report on certain issues or using particular frames because of how prevalent harassment and bullying has become in online journalism spheres. This harassment isn’t just name-calling and playground antics – the primary form of threat is that of physical harm, and women journalists have been shown to be particularly effected. So, while digital journalism and the adoption of social media may aid in a more authentic, citizen-focused form of reporting, it also comes with added vulnerability for journalists.