Media in the digital age : blogging and journalism ethics

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of the modern digital environment on journalism conventions and ethics, as well as questions the role of ethics in blogging. Although blogging is distinct from journalism, its impact and influence on society is immense. In today's digital age, blogging has become a prevalent medium in the public's consumption and communication of information. Thus, bloggers have the responsibility to be accountable and should adhere to a set of ethical principles based on those espoused by journalism professionals. This study explores traditional journalism ethics, the emergence of the blogosphere and its profound impact on society and journalism, as well as distinctions between journalists and bloggers. Of the most important distinctions is ethical principles. By investigating ethics for bloggers and how new digital technology changes journalism, this study questions what the future may hold for news media and determines bloggers should abide by journalistic standards of ethics. While bloggers can learn from journalists, in turn journalists can also learn from bloggers in order for the two mediums to survive and maintain credibility amongst the public, as the lines between journalism and blogging continue to blur in a continually evolving online environment.