Initial (Test) Post

Hubert here. Senior at Hunter College, majoring in Media Studies. Most of the media classes I've taken, explored the role of various media outlets in society and its effects on populations. Internet and Society appears to be a perfect continuation of my studies of the media world.

Besides e-mail, my use of the Internet mainly involves catching up on news. Unfortunately, my current (hectic) schedule does not allow for much of browsing through the vast amount of web sites that access to the Internet offers. It can be argued that the Internet is a major vehicle for informing the masses and, in turn, spreading democracy via online news outlets, among others. But how does one recognize credible content from one that is not?

Throughout its history, journalism has taken on different forms and shapes. However, its true essence or primary purpose was and continues to be to inform the masses. Journalism provides people with the information they need to self-govern by forming communities, allowing their voice to be heard, and creating democracy. “Millions of people, empowered by a free flow of information, became directly involved in creating a new government and new rules for the political, social, and economic life of their country” (Kovach). With the rise of modern technology and, in turn, an increase in mass communication, the foundation of journalism is questioned by the vast amounts of “journalism” that exist in the world; especially online journalism. Nowadays, anyone with access to the Internet may contribute to journalism but its content is at times debatable. It is up to the reader to distinguish its content, and, it is important to do so, especially in the world of politics.

Sites like FactCheck.org help the reader sift through some of the 'debatable' content but readers should also be wary of web site or news organizations' agendas. It is safe to assume that reputable publications such as The New York Times and NPR or BBC UK and AlJazeera English (for the purpose of a global perspective), for example, are trust-worthy but readers should be careful of what's posted on blogs and independent web sites as it may skew their understanding and perception of a particular world event. In the case of Presidential elections, such as the one in November of this year in the US, it is of upmost importance that the reader is aware of what they're reading and from what source.

Work Cited

Kovach, Bill and Rosenstiel, Tom. The Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and The Public Should Expect. New York: Three Rivers Press, 2001.