Digital platforms have clouded the line between misinformation and truth: Dr Haque

 

 

In today’s world, information is abundant but credibility cannot be assured, and hence the role of journalism is more critical than ever. Because, credibility forms the fabric of journalism, stressed to Dr Moiz Mannan Haque, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University. To understand the evolution of journalism and media, ‘The Hitavada’ spoke to Dr Haque, who carries experience of 15 years in Mass Communication preceded by a decade in active journalism. Responding to various questions, he offered a thought-provoking analysis of the media industry’s past, present and the future. In reply to a question, Dr Haque contradicted the assumption that number of students opting for education in journalism had declined. According to him, there is no significant increase of decrease in the number of admissions to journalism courses. However, he pointed out a matter of concern -- today’s generation relies more on social media platforms, abandoning fact-based information from print media sources. This shift towards social media-driven consumption of news in the era of technological advances has led to reduction in newspaper readership among youths, he said.

 

The journalism teacher of repute viewed the transition of people from print media to electronic media, and now to digital media, as ‘a picture of profound change’. “In 1990s, newspapers represented credibility and were often used as evidence of events. Though electronic media brought a significant shift in the form of real-time updates, initially it sacrificed depth for speed. With the introduction of electronic media, the pressure of ‘breaking news’ led to errors, sensationalism, and sometimes a compromise on journalistic ethics. Now, digital platforms have clouded the line between misinformation and truth,” explained Dr Haque. He described media as both -- a boon and a bane -- and lamented the deterioration of journalistic ethics in race for finding sensational content. Speaking of misinformation, Dr Haque cautioned against falling prey to fake news. The man, who, in his journalism days and as a teacher now, favours rigorous verification of details before flashing a news, highlighted the importance of fact-checking and attention to details to counter fake news.

 

“A journalist cannot completely rely on the Internet, specially when authenticity is often compromised. Previously, journalists abided by strict ethics. But, digital media lacks the robust frameworks as compared to print media,” he observed. He appealed to the journalists to accord prime importance to facts. Dr Haque warned against overdependence on Artificial Intelligence (AI) while acknowledging its use and role in modern-day journalism. “AI can only simplify tasks depending on pre-existing data or the data fed to it as part of training material. It cannot replace critical thinking and judgement that journalism demands,” Dr Haque stressed. In the given situation and evolving media landscape, Dr Moiz Mannan Haque highlighted the significance of media literacy, prompting educational institutions to expose students to real newsroom environments to inculcate in them the sense of accountability and responsibility. “When one steps into a newsroom, journalism becomes one’s religion. Traditional media remains relevant today because it upholds the timeless principles. We must remember that credibility forms the fabric of journalism,” he said. Dr Haque also underlined the need for teaching media consumption skills to the people to counter negative influences posing threat of turning media into a bane. Concluding the enriching conversation, Dr Haque remarked that print media would survive and upscale in the coming years as it carried the mark of authenticity and credibility. At the same time, he urged the government to prioritise education and media literacy. The country must create a generation that stands for truth and accountability, and thereby enhances value-based education and practice of journalism, he felt. n