The Stories of the Future

by: Anna Wise
aw138915@ohio.edu

There is no doubt that technology is rapidly changing the way we find and consume our news as well as blurring what may or may not be real within news stories. Some would say it's almost terrifying, which I understand, but I also think it's fascinating.

The Bad

There are many complications with things such as drones, virtual reality, etc. Fake news and filter bubbles are affecting the minds of the entire world and allowing things such as hate and bigotry to spread with the click of a mouse. Privacy and truth come into question as we watch drones fly over our heads and writers draft headlines specifically meant to infuriate and enrage readers (who most likely won't read the article, but won't hesitate to hit the "share" button).

With the media under more of an attack than ever before, these downfalls in modern media and the technology of journalism are no doubt consequential for those actively trying to remain credible and be informative to the public. There is frustration around whether or not this technology is actually benefiting the public, and what should be done to keep it monitored and transparent.

The Good

Although there are many downfalls and complications with all the new technology arising in our field, there is so much opportunity to build a new kind of journalism. With virtual reality and live video, we can be transported to places we would never have set foot in before. We can begin to become more immersed in a news story and build empathy with those involved, as The Washington Post discusses. This applies to the development of drone technology as well, as we are able to see and understand situations in a completely different way than traditional photography.

Source: greenbuzzagency.com

I think this is what I am most excited about when thinking about where this technology has the potential to take us. Although it seems like there is so much division among people right now, I believe that it can connect us more deeply as humans and make us more conscience of what is happening than if we were to be reading in plain old black and white.

The Balance

I think what it all comes down to is the capital T Truth. This new tech offers the ability to manipulate, deceive and purposely confuse readers and viewers. Journalists must remember their Codes of Ethics and consider what their true duty is to the public. Where the problem seems to stem from is the fact that now the public has the ability to become the journalist, and may not be considering ethical decisions or the way their posts and content may be perceived by others. In a way, almost everyone who ever shares anything online or through these new mediums has a responsibility to know what they are posting and the possible consequences that could follow.

So the dilemma truly is - how do we as a society want to tell the stories of the future? Will we allow it to thwart our values and our ethics and further our division as people? Or will we find a way to use it all for good and elevate our journalistic techniques to new heights? Again, it is a question of truth. Our decision lies in which truth we choose to tell.