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As the news environment evolved with the rise of the internet, so did the ethics and principles guiding news presentation and consumption. Today, news not only reports facts but also involves a mutual interaction between journalists and consumers, which revitalises civic life and gives news a new meaning and impact. In this context, civic participation becomes crucial for driving development, particularly in emerging societies. This raises the question of how online journalism has facilitated communication’s influence on such engagement.
It is challenging to demonstrate exactly how these evolving forms and practices have shaped the development of information. However, there is little doubt that this transformation has been uneven. For every journalist who embraces the potential of new technology to better integrate online media into social networks, there are others who highlight the need to reflect on the changing nature of the industry itself.
The rise of online journalism offers great potential for the future of communication, providing an effective means of engagement. Some evidence suggests that online use significantly increases political interest and the likelihood of voting. In contrast, cyber-pessimists argue that the impact is limited, claiming that the internet merely reinforces existing political views or even diminishes broader social and political participation.
Online deliberation on public interest issues enhances citizens’ political awareness. Deliberative practices also appear to amplify the positive effects of media, making online journalism an essential area of study in understanding its political influence.
The internet and social networking have changed how traditional journalists work. During crises, massive amounts of real-time information and footage are released, making it difficult to verify the accuracy of data.
Where once the average citizen had only a few sources to rely on, today, the internet and blogosphere allow ideas to be shared across countries and regions.
There is no doubt that the internet has revolutionised journalism, particularly online journalism. Where journalists once had to struggle to access information, the internet has made it instantly available, breaking down barriers of distance and time. Today, news and information are at our fingertips, empowering both journalists and the public in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Ahmed Malik is Account Executive at Cicero & Bernay Public Relations, an independent PR agency headquartered in Dubai offering new-age public relations consultancy to the UAE and across the MENA region. | www.cbpr.me