Introductory Chapter: Ethical Journalism in the Digital Society

Abstract

The discussion above pointed out digital technology poses relentless challenges despite countless benefits if not properly addressed. Social networks, for example, could be perceived as providing sources of information to ease journalists working on issues getting their information sources. However, too much dependency on the platform may reduce journalists' creativity in finding reliable and credible information sources and decrease the critical traits journalists should enhance through practice. On this note, journalism is a profession that comes with great responsibility and accountability. Therefore, digital advantages garnered by current practitioners should not hinder them from upholding ethical conduct. Instead, it should drive them to frame and deliver news creatively with greater inclusivity for a sustainable future.All in all, bearing on communication generally and journalism, in particular, the chapters in this book demonstrate that journalism does not only affect individuals but also the society that we live in. The effects can be social, political, economic, health, religious, cultural, and many others. This book may not be a comprehensive approach to journalism and media ethics, but rather a dedication to assisting media producers, researchers, scholars, and students in journalism as well as members of the public to ponder pressing journalism-related issues that could have wide-reaching consequences. It is hoped that this book will provide the crucial framework needed for ethical journalism and for understanding the importance of journalism to provide common knowledge that fits the needs of the audience while still reminding them to be critical consumers of media outputs.