In the digital age, the rampant spread of misinformation poses a significant challenge, often leading to journalists being blamed for it. To address this crisis, a social contract is needed, where journalists uphold ethical standards and consumers practice media literacy.
Journalists are committed to the truth, learning principles like “DMSU—don’t make stuff up.” At Milligan, journalism students emphasize extensive fact-checking, verifying even the simplest claims. The Stampede at Milligan operates with processes akin to larger media organizations, holding weekly meetings to discuss assignments and pursue thorough research, which includes interviews and reviewing official sources. Stories undergo multiple rounds of edits and checks before publishing, though errors can still occur.
Despite efforts to deliver accurate information, social media complicates the landscape by enabling everyone to share content, often without proper verification. Consumers must be aware that their sharing actions, intentional or not, can contribute to the spread of misinformation. Engaging with media is an active responsibility that requires critical thinking. The commitment to quality journalism depends on both journalists and consumers prioritizing truth over convenience and collective integrity over individual biases.
