Journalism, once regarded as a pillar of democracy, is fast losing its integrity. The dramatic proliferation of social media platforms has equipped journalists with unprecedented access to greater audience. Yet, to our misfortune, instead of using these platforms justly and responsibly, to disseminate pertinent information, some journalists have succumbed to the virus of sensationalism and clickbait.
Mostly on Facebook, these journalists prey on personal affairs of common masses, selling sensational garbage to satiate their quest for petty likes and clicks. They must be asked if it is ethical to exploit someone’s misfortune for personal gains. Personal issues that should better remain private are intruded upon and exploited for likes, comments and shares. So, their brazen tactics include invading privacy, amplifying trivial matters and manipulation of emotions, to seek digital applause and validation. These pseudo-journalists not only violate the ethical code of journalism but also precipitate the infringement of right to privacy, which is an offence.
Journalists are meant to serve public interest, shine some light on their issues and needs, and bridge the gap between administration and the common masses; all this for greater good of the society. They are not expected to issue judgements on day to day happenings in a society. The recent boat capsize tragedy unmasked the ugly and unethical face of such journalism in Kashmir. It was bitterly disheartening to see immatures holding mics to create cringe content amidst that heart rending tragedy.
In another recent incident, in which a lady was axed to death in Handwara, some journalist was seen verbally assassinating people at the scene of the incident. That was a blatant mockery of the fundamental principles of journalism.
Furthermore, the repercussions of this sensationalist journalism stretch beyond social media metrics. It certainly has real-life impacts for the individuals involved, including damage to reputation, emotional damage and other psychological consequences.
So, let’s be clear: this is not journalism, this is exploitation. It is a blatant betrayal of the public trust and a mockery of this noble profession that once stood as a beacon of truth and integrity. These people have mercilessly tarnished the image and reputation of journalism.
It is about time we held these ‘journalists’ accountable for their unethical and unprofessional practice. Let’s, at least , boycott their clickbait, unfollow their ridiculous pages and expose their unethical practices. Let’s refine our demandsm and demand better ethical standards in media reporting.
Bottom-line:
As voracious consumers of media, we must be selective in our consumption and refuse to regard cringe content with our attention and consideration. This certainly can arrest and purge the cancer of exploitation and sensationalism in the media landscape .
BY TASADUQ MAQBOOL BHAT