Media Law and Fake News Synthesis and Reflection
Pt.1 Media Law
Concept: Libel
What is it? The written publication of a false statement that is posted in order to injure someone's reputation. The author has published this article knowing there is false or damaging content. You need to prove the falsity in order to call it libel. In order to avoid it you should check your sources and only write what you can prove.
How I'll Think About it Now: After watching Shattered Glass I realized that if you're not speaking the truth it's bound to be found out. If sources are not checked and you are speaking falsely even just by accident it can put you in a troubling situation. By knowing this information I will think to recheck the sources I'm using multiple times and be sure that I'm quoting them correctly. I will write only with what I can prove. I will also think about how it is not correct to write with the intent to be malicious especially if I am using false information. Beginning a piece with the mindset of injuring someone and their reputation would never be something I'd want to do on purpose, it will only make things harder for me as a journalist. In order to avoid libel I will be sure to only write what I can prove.
Pt.2 Fake News
Concept: Sensational News (Clickbait)
What is it? Taking a small amount of the truth and blowing it out of proportion to attract more readers or viewers. The clickbait is normally seen in the presentation of the article like the title or photos shown. More often than not the reader has clicked on the story because it seems so interesting but the full truth is not always there, it is only a small amount.
How I'll Think About it Now: I've seen clickbait many places but I've never looked too far into it as it's pretty obvious the titles and/or photos shown in the article do not have much truth to them. I will think about this by knowing there is only so far the truth can go. I need to be conscious and aware of how far I'm stretching the title. I believe there are ways to make an interesting title or draw in readers without stretching the truth and causing something to be clickbait. I think it's okay to make something look clickable but it should be done without taking away the truth. I don't believe it is fair to the reader, I want them to click on what they're interested in. The reader should not be tricked into reading something they didn't want to just so myself as a journalist can get more publicity. As a journalist I will always keep these things in mind.
Overall Reflection: False information should never be used on purpose. You should always have the best interest of your readers in mind. I think it really isn't worth it to attempt and damage someones reputation nor is it worth it to tease them into clicking on something that is not true to the title. I believe that just telling the truth and sharing your opinion is okay. False information is not necessary.
Concept: Libel
What is it? The written publication of a false statement that is posted in order to injure someone's reputation. The author has published this article knowing there is false or damaging content. You need to prove the falsity in order to call it libel. In order to avoid it you should check your sources and only write what you can prove.
How I'll Think About it Now: After watching Shattered Glass I realized that if you're not speaking the truth it's bound to be found out. If sources are not checked and you are speaking falsely even just by accident it can put you in a troubling situation. By knowing this information I will think to recheck the sources I'm using multiple times and be sure that I'm quoting them correctly. I will write only with what I can prove. I will also think about how it is not correct to write with the intent to be malicious especially if I am using false information. Beginning a piece with the mindset of injuring someone and their reputation would never be something I'd want to do on purpose, it will only make things harder for me as a journalist. In order to avoid libel I will be sure to only write what I can prove.
Pt.2 Fake News
Concept: Sensational News (Clickbait)
What is it? Taking a small amount of the truth and blowing it out of proportion to attract more readers or viewers. The clickbait is normally seen in the presentation of the article like the title or photos shown. More often than not the reader has clicked on the story because it seems so interesting but the full truth is not always there, it is only a small amount.
How I'll Think About it Now: I've seen clickbait many places but I've never looked too far into it as it's pretty obvious the titles and/or photos shown in the article do not have much truth to them. I will think about this by knowing there is only so far the truth can go. I need to be conscious and aware of how far I'm stretching the title. I believe there are ways to make an interesting title or draw in readers without stretching the truth and causing something to be clickbait. I think it's okay to make something look clickable but it should be done without taking away the truth. I don't believe it is fair to the reader, I want them to click on what they're interested in. The reader should not be tricked into reading something they didn't want to just so myself as a journalist can get more publicity. As a journalist I will always keep these things in mind.
Overall Reflection: False information should never be used on purpose. You should always have the best interest of your readers in mind. I think it really isn't worth it to attempt and damage someones reputation nor is it worth it to tease them into clicking on something that is not true to the title. I believe that just telling the truth and sharing your opinion is okay. False information is not necessary.
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