By: Lebona Lekoena — With the dawn of the digital age, advances in technology have dramatically reshaped the landscape of journalism.
One significant change is the rise of social media, which has fundamentally transformed how the public consumes and shares news. While this shift has brought a myriad of opportunities, it has also posed severe challenges to the journalism industry, and by extension, journalism students in South Africa and around the globe. The influx of social media has not only made it increasingly difficult for these students to secure jobs after graduation, but it has also raised questions about the quality and integrity of journalism today.
One of the significant drawbacks of social media on journalism is its contribution to the shrinking job market. With news now readily available and disseminated freely across various social media platforms, traditional news outlets are struggling to maintain their relevance, and by extension, their revenue. As a result, many have had to downsize their operations, leading to job cuts and fewer opportunities for newly graduating journalism students.
Moreover, the proliferation of user-generated content on social media has further exacerbated this issue. Anyone with a smartphone and internet access can now act as an amateur journalist, producing and sharing news stories. This phenomenon has led to a saturation of the market and heightened competition for formal journalism roles, making it even harder for journalism students to secure employment.
In South Africa, the challenge is even more pronounced. The country’s media industry is grappling with the transition to digital journalism, and the rise of social media has only accelerated the pace. As traditional media houses struggle to adapt, job opportunities for journalism graduates are dwindling.
Beyond the employment issue, there is also a significant concern about the quality of journalism in the age of social media. The rush to break news stories on these platforms can lead to a compromise in journalistic standards, with accuracy often sacrificed in the pursuit of speed. This development undermines the fundamental principles of journalism – truthfulness, objectivity, and accuracy.
The rise of fake news and disinformation on social media platforms also contributes to the degradation of journalism. It is increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish between credible news and misinformation, eroding trust in the media and tarnishing the reputation of the journalism profession. This issue poses a considerable challenge for journalism students who aspire to uphold the integrity of the industry and contribute to meaningful discourse.
In conclusion, while social media presents new opportunities for journalism, its impact on the job market and journalistic standards cannot be overlooked. It is imperative for education institutions, industry leaders, and policymakers to address these issues. They must equip journalism students with the necessary skills to navigate this changing landscape, emphasize the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in the face of social media pressures, and explore innovative ways to adapt and thrive in the digital age.
In the face of these challenges, the role of trained, professional journalists is more critical than ever. As the gatekeepers of information, they have the responsibility to ensure that the news we consume is not just fast, but also accurate, balanced, and reliable. It’s a tall order in the age of social media, but one that is essential for the health of our democracies and societies.
Lebona Lekoena is the Chairperson of Free State Publishers and Editors Forum, writes in his own personal capacity.
Lebona Lekoena
CENTRAL NEWS
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