ETHICAL DILEMMA OF YELLOW JOURNALISM

When we initially cautioned against the unfair, immoral and unethical practices within online media, particularly vilification or unjust criticism and the unwarranted intrusion into personal health records, we found ourselves branded as State agents masquerading as journalists.

This baseless accusation overlooks the core issue at hand: Innocent individuals, often unfamiliar with social media’s tumultuous landscape, are being torn apart and insulted. There is a high volume of retaliations against online media reports that invade personal privacy. I have observed the evolution of online media Journalism with keen interest, scrutinising the mindsets and attitudes of social media page owners, as well as the quality of content they disseminate. Yellow Journalism is not ideal for modernisation because it is based upon sensationalism and crude exaggeration.

A concerning trend has emerged. If a particular Facebook news page targets an individual—Andrew, for instance—it is not the originator of the post who faces backlash, but those close to the online journalist who bear the brunt of retaliatory attacks.

This alarming shift prompts one to question what values our children are imbibing from this form of Journalism.
Innocent bystanders, individuals who rarely engage in public discourse, find themselves publicly shamed and vilified. Serious allegations are levelled against them without due cause.

Consider the case of a Cabinet minister, a peaceable individual, who fell victim to an online media onslaught, facing attacks from all directions, unethically and unjustly. Merely days later, a leader of a political party, a reticent figure who seldom provokes adversaries, was subjected to unwarranted and contemptuous insults—a clear act of retaliation aimed at an individual close to the minister’s detractor.

The repercussions of such irresponsible and unethical Journalism are far-reaching, with marriages crumbling under the strain and children bearing the emotional scars. Under the guise of ‘speaking truth to power’, intimate issues and confidential health records have become fodder for social media discussions. Raising a complaint about this invasive behaviour is akin to stirring a hornet’s nest. In remaining silent, both progressives and conservatives enable the abuse of individuals.

Historically, esteemed writers such as Walter Lippmann and George Orwell have championed the cause of ethical Journalism, always highlighting its significance in shaping an informed society.
Responsible Journalism, they argued, should seek the truth, minimise harm and maintain the integrity of the profession. As current practices stray from these principles, it is imperative to reflect on their wisdom and the necessity for ethical standards in media.

Platforms

The sanctity of private lives and health records should be upheld, for Journalism loses its moral compass when it prioritises sensationalism over respect for individual privacy. Social media platforms, originally created as avenues for connection and information-sharing, have regrettably become a breeding ground for falsehoods and defamation.
This was never their intended purpose, and its misuse is a betrayal of the platforms’ foundational ideals. In recent years, journalism has witnessed significant shifts, predominantly due to the rise of digital platforms and social media.

These platforms, while facilitating instant communication, have also given rise to pseudo-Journalism and yellow Journalism, both of which thrive on sensationalism over fact. Such practices beg the question: “Has the media strayed from its foundational principles of truth and integrity?” Importantly, we must acknowledge that freedom of the press does not equate to a licence to insult or degradation of individuals.

The true role of Journalism should be to serve the public by providing accurate, unbiased information. Paradoxically, the very subjects whose privacy is compromised often unwittingly become catalysts for this reckless pursuit of sensational news. It is crucial to remember that no one chooses to fall ill, and exploiting such situations for entertainment or profit is a gross violation of ethical standards. A recent incident outside Milpark Private Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as a poignant example. Demonstrators, primarily from the emaSwati community, blocked an ambulance carrying a high-profile figure, Prince Hlangusemphi, to the hospital.

Memorial

This obstruction not only delayed necessary medical attention but also subjected him and his family to unwarranted emotional distress, as some went so far as to peer through the ambulance windows, turning a dire situation into a spectacle. This was not an isolated incident. A senior leader in the country found himself at the mercy of online trolls who, through manipulative tactics, used photoshop to distort an image of his foot, making it appear swollen. The aim was to fabricate a narrative of severe illness for the sake of mockery. Such actions diminish the dignity of the individual involved and reflect poorly on the standards of media practices.

Equally troubling, was an incident on social media where a virtual memorial service was organised for an elderly person who was falsely reported to be at death’s door. Participants were misled into offering their condolences, based on deceit. Such instances highlight the disturbing trend of valuing sensational headlines over respect for human dignity and truth.

However, the repercussions of irresponsible Journalism are not limited to targeted individuals. Mlungisi Makhanya, the leader of the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO), found himself on the receiving end of mudslinging by those who purport to uphold conservative values. As much as one might oppose such actions against senior statesmen, it remains equally reprehensible when directed at Makhanya. Respect for privacy should be universal, extending to his family, including his children and his wife, who deserve to live without the fear of media intrusion.

The ongoing case of Tanele Maseko, widow of the slain Human Rights defender Thulani Maseko, further illustrates the media’s ethical obligations. Her situation calls for compassion and respect, not sensationalism. Her grief, and that of her children, should not be fodder for public consumption or mockery. It is essential to evaluate what has led to these ethical lapses. Have social media platforms exacerbated these tendencies by providing unchecked power to individuals masquerading as journalists? As a society, we must confront these questions and return to the core values we were once taught which are respect, integrity and empathy. Education plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues. Today, numerous resources and free courses on Journalism ethics are available online.

Claim

Ignorance, therefore, cannot be an excuse. Those who claim to be journalists must differentiate their work from inflammatory rants and focus on ethical, responsible reporting. Ultimately, it is vital for the guardians of information, whether seasoned journalists or social media newcomers, to prioritise humanity over headlines.  As we navigate this digital age, it is crucial to foster a culture of ethical Journalism—one that prioritises truth, respects privacy and promotes accountability.

The press holds immense power and with it comes the duty to wield that power judiciously. Our future generations depend on us to set the right example, to champion a journalism that informs, educates and respects the dignity of every individual. Let us not fail them. In conclusion, we must be vigilant guardians of ethical Journalism, ensuring that it remains a force for good. By invoking the lessons of authors who championed responsible Journalism, and condemning the misuse of media platforms, we can pave the way for a more truthful, respectful and ethical discourse.

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