Social platforms overtake mainstream media

Social networks and video platforms have overtaken for the first time the mainstream media globally as the primary source of information. The prestigious Reuters Institute Digital News Report's survey of around 100,000 respondents in 48 countries reveals this troubling development. According to its report, 54 per cent of global internet users now rely on social media and video platforms for news. This percentage rises to 56 per cent if AI chatbots like ChatGPT are included. This is higher than the 52 per cent respondents who relied on TV as a source for news, 51 per cent who cited newspapers apps or websites and 21 per cent who got news from radio. 

Here the age divide is quite significant with younger people aged 18-24 preferring access to information through social platforms such as Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, WhatsApp and TikTok. If the shift in preference for accessing news source is concerning, the trust in traditional media at its lowest is far more concerning. That the older generations still prefer TV and traditional media sources is quite evident from the survey. Proportionately they may be outpaced but not at all influenced by the unverified news and views. 

True, social sites get an edge over other sources of news on account of their instantaneousness at the cost of verification or check or recheck. There is a clear motive behind catering news or what is now known as posts. Those who generate such information and news want them to be viral. Likes are counted and depending on those revenues too are generated. The divide between catering hard news and sensationalism is hardly respected with particular preference for the latter. Credibility of such news should have been suspect because rumours, misinformation and disinformation are part of the game here. Sadly, the opposite has happened. 

The difference between objective news and sensationalised, distorted or exaggerated information is sharp. While objective news can make or break individuals and organisations depending on factual exposures, unverified information can cause more grievous harms to innocent people and organisations. Mainstream media are credible because they check and recheck facts before publishing or broadcasting news. The other day Prime Minister Tarique Rahman made it quite plain that objective criticism is welcome but sensationalism is not. 

When the new generations have shown their preference for social platforms to the neglect of TV and online version of the print media, where do the electronic and print media stand? Experts in media get divided on this issue. While some argue that print media in particular will be sent to the museum, others are still optimistic about the resilience of this traditional source of information, views and knowledge. It must be admitted that social platforms thrive on instant generation of information for instant news consumption. A quick look at the news on social sites is meant to keep one updated with the latest developments. The news consumers see the contents but have no time or willingness to go deeper to have a comprehensive idea of the issue. 

Print media is different on this score. Editorials and posts or articles on complex issues are written by people with authority in subjects they deal with expertise, credibility and legitimacy. Some of these write-ups explore news behind news and at times come up with analysis and critical dissections contradictory to popular ideas and beliefs. Thus the print media acts as an educator creating knowledge. Readers are initiated to think deeper in order to have a comprehensive idea of the issue concerned. While posts on social platforms are just seen not read, articles or posts published in newspapers invite readers to rise up to the challenge of deeper appraisals and participate in exploring objectivity and truth. 

Newspapers have dedicated pages for promotion of indigenous value systems and culture as well as the rights of various weaker groups or communities in society. A kind of campaign is launched against discriminatory social systems and laws. Some of the newspapers serve the cause of the distressed classes of society and by doing so, they shape society and by extension civilisation. If the online content creators are serious, they also can lend a helping hand in this mission. But the majority of content creators are engaged in creating cheap materials for instant reaction. 

Reversing the trend of cursory glance at news on social platforms is a daunting challenge. But there is indeed a positive development in the areas of filmmaking by a group of highly talented and dedicated creators of films. Their cultural mooring to the soil of this country is so unmistakable that one can realise it at every step of filmmaking. The mainstream media should promote them and the government can help the cause by financial and other supports. If social platforms are in favour of instant entertainment, films at the hands of thoughtful and competent directors and others involved in the business are creating a new wave of cultural awakening. 

Journalism, on the other hand, has been struggling to stay in business because of a lack of conviction in the trade and financial constraints. The shift in news source has diverted advertisement revenues to tech giants like Google and Meta. If the number of readers falls, so does advertisement. Mainstream media are becoming increasingly dependent on advertisement while the ads are getting so diverted. Their objectivity, bold and unbiased stands are also being compromised. But this does not rule out their revival and the mantra is to stick to journalism marked by such high-quality virtues. They must command the respect they deserve.

nilratanhalder2000@yahoo.com