Same Same But Different

There is no denying that humanity has been re-discovering new ways of how to build relationships with digital technology, online information, and online communities world wide.  For some, digital technology is an accost to their senses, for others a means to keep their attentions engaged.  The reach of digital information extends the boundaries of the earth and can circle back again at almost the speed of light.  I love the possibilities that this opens for humanity and it frightens me all the same.  

Digital technology is reshaping the way we come into contact with new information, the way we share information, and the very information we share.  I loved the articles this week because, while they touched on these very empowering aspects of human communication, collaboration and perspective sharing, they also depicted similar skepticism toward the conflictions between "democratic functions of journalism, such as the fostering of an informed electorate, the uncovering of official abuses and institutional corruption, and contributions open and inclusive dialogue around matters of public concern that it supports" (Mihailidis, P., & Shumow, M., 2011, p.32).  It is true that many have abused the privilege of online public communication forums, and it has led to corruption and misuse of online public media.  But that begs the question, hasn't public communication always been abused by some?  Is online media reporting any different?  Perhaps the scale and magnitude of misinformation is greater?  Haven't politicians abused and manipulated public media and advertising for centuries?  

The most intriguing questions for me are how can we hold those who abuse and misuse digital technologies accountable?  How can we come to a universal agreement on what abuse and misuse is?  Mihailidis & Shumow (2011) reinforce the notion that there is "need for new parameters in the conceptualization of journalism and its sources of authority for future communicators working within digital media environments".  What could those new parameters be?  Is there a possibility for future sources of authority within digital media environments?  Do they already exist? 


References: 

Mihailidis, P., & Shumow, M. (2011). Theorizing journalism education, citizenship, and new media technologies in a global media age. Taiwan Journal of Democracy, 7(1), 27-47.