Issue of New Media and Online Journalism in Nepal (Misinformation, YouTube and Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

Issue of New Media and Online Journalism in Nepal.

(Misinformation, YouTube and Facebook)

 

Deepa Dahal (663)

Department of Journalism, RR campus

JMC, New Media and Online Journalism- 426

Lekhanath Pandey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Issue of New Media and Online Journalism in Nepal.

(Misinformation, Youtube and facebook)

                                                                Introduction:

New media refers to digital, interactive, and user driven forms of communication facilitated by technological advancements. It includes online platforms, social media, podcasts, blogs, and other digital channels that enable the creation and exchange of information.

Online journalism, within the realm of new media, involves the production and dissemination of news content through digital platforms. This can include news websites, social media outlets, and other online channels. Online journalism often emphasizes real-time reporting, multimedia elements, and audience engagement, reshaping traditional journalistic practices in the digital age.

Statement of problem

In present world people can't forbidden the use of social media. Whereas, the rise of new media and online journalism in Nepal presents a complex landscape with both advantages and challenges. One prominent issue is Misinformation. Misinformation in online journalism is a pressing issue, as the rapid dissemination of information on digital platforms can lead to the spread of inaccurate or misleading content, Factors contributing to this problems includes the ease of content creation, limited fact- checking in some online spaces, and the potential for information to be shared without proper verification. Combatting misinformation requires media literacy efforts, responsible reporting practices, and collaboration between platforms, journalists, and the audience to promote accurate information.

Misinformation in online journalism and new media, including social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook, has become a pressing concern in today's digital age. The problem lies in the unchecked dissemination of misinformation through online journalism and new media platforms. This can have serious consequences on public opinion and decision-making, as false narratives are often amplified and shared without proper verification.

Objective:

The objective of this report is to examine the impact of misinformation in online journalism and new media, focusing on social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. To analyze how misinformation online is strategically crafted to shape public opinion, influence attitudes, or create particular narrative. To reduce false or misleading narratives which can contribute to division within society.

METHODOLOGY

For the findings of this study, I have used different methods to gather the data and statistics. I gave gathered these information from different sites and news. 

JUSTIFICATION

Misinformation in online journalism and new media is a growing issue that has raised concerns about the credibility and trustworthiness of the information we consume. With the rise of social media platforms and the ease of sharing content, it has become increasingly challenging to distinguish between accurate news and false information. One of the main reasons behind the spread of misinformation is the lack of fact-checking and verification. In the race to be the first to break a story, journalists and news outlets may sometimes prioritize speed over accuracy. This can lead to the dissemination of false or misleading information, which can have serious consequences on public opinion and decision-making.

Limitations

It is important to acknowledge that this report has certain limitations. The rapidly evolving nature of online journalism and new media makes it challenging to capture the full extent of the problem. Additionally, the analysis may be limited to available data and case studies.

Findings and Analysis

The spread of misinformation on social media platforms like Facebook can have real-world consequences, including the erosion of trust, the amplification of divisive narratives, and even harm to individuals or communities. Facebook, along with other social media platforms, has taken steps to address the issue by implementing fact-checking programs, content moderation, and other measures to curb the spread of misinformation. However, the challenge persists, and the effectiveness of these measures continues to be a subject of ongoing discussion and evaluation.

1.COVID-19 Misinformation: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were numerous instances of misinformation on YouTube, including false information about the origins of the virus, unfounded treatments, and conspiracy theories. These videos often gained significant views before being taken down or fact-checked.

2.Vaccine Misinformation: Videos spreading misinformation about vaccines and their alleged dangers have been a concern. Some falsely claimed a link between vaccines and autism or propagated unfounded conspiracy theories related to vaccine development and distribution.

1.Election-related Misinformation: Facebook has faced criticism for allowing the spread of misinformation related to elections. In the 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections, false information about candidates, voting processes, and election outcomes circulated on the platform, potentially influencing public opinion.

2.False Health Claims: Various health-related misinformation has been shared on Facebook, including fake cures for diseases, misleading diet information, and unproven medical advice. These posts can have serious consequences for public health.

3.Manipulated Media: Facebook has been a platform for the spread of manipulated or deepfake videos, which can be used to deceive viewers by altering the content to present false narratives or statements.

False News Articles: Articles containing inaccurate information, sensationalized headlines, or outright fabrications can be shared on Facebook, reaching a wide audience and potentially influencing people's perceptions.

Manipulated Images and Videos: Photos or videos can be edited or manipulated to present a distorted version of events, people, or situations. This can contribute to the spread of false narratives.

Conspiracy Theories: Facebook has been a platform where various conspiracy theories gain traction and spread rapidly. These may involve political events, public figures, or other topics, and they often lack credible evidence.

Health Misinformation: Misleading health information, including false claims about treatments, cures, or the nature of certain illnesses, can be shared on Facebook. This type of misinformation can have serious consequences for public health.

Election and Political Misinformation: During election periods, false information about candidates, voting processes, or political events can circulate on Facebook, potentially influencing voter opinions.

Statistics regarding the impact of these instances may vary, and it's important to note that platforms like YouTube and Facebook have implemented measures to combat misinformation. However, the effectiveness of these measures can vary, and new challenges continue to arise.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the rise of misinformation in online journalism and new media, including platforms like YouTube and Facebook, poses a significant challenge to the reliability of information. To address this issue, it is crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills, rely on reputable sources, and promote media literacy. Social media platforms and news organizations should also implement stricter fact-checking processes and promote transparency to combat misinformation effectively.

Additionally, the algorithms used by social media platforms to personalize content can contribute to the spread of misinformation. These algorithms often prioritize engagement and user preferences, which can result in the amplification of sensationalized or misleading content. This creates echo chambers where people are exposed to information that aligns with their existing beliefs, further reinforcing false narratives. To combat misinformation, it is crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills and media literacy. This means questioning the source of information, checking for multiple sources, and fact-checking claims before accepting them as truth. It's also important to rely on reputable news sources that adhere to ethical journalistic standards. Furthermore, efforts from social media platforms and news organizations are essential in addressing this issue.

REFERENCES

Education about Asia. Moira A. Ragon, Christine Suniti Bhat; and Shih- Hua

            Chang.

Worldwide Digital Population. Ani Petrosyn, 2023.

 

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