Are there limits to social media use?
GMA News’ apology was crucial. The recognition that one erred is among the most fundamental of the ethical responsibilities of journalism. GMA News also released a follow-up report last Aug. 4, which included their statement, reactions on Lao from several sources as well as an interview with a motoring expert who provided guidelines on what motorists should do during heavy rains and flooding, which should have been the focus of the first report.
Yahoo! News Philippines posted this personal statement from Lao:
“The past few days have been very disheartening for me and my family. As you know I have been a subject of a viral video that showed my helplessness during a trying moment. As it stands right now, I have several hate pages in Facebook and Twitter with hurtful and derogatory messages attacking my person. The reputation that I built the past years has been besmirched. A bad day has now turned into wounded feelings and sleepless nights for me and my family.
“I have been silent the past few days as I want this to go away soon but not before saying sorry and thank you to people who matter.
“I would like to apologize for my behavior that was seen on nationwide television and now on the Internet. It was unfortunate that I was caught on camera immediately after an overwhelmingly stressful mishap.
“I would like to again sincerely thank those who braved the flood to help a distraught stranger like me. Their selfless act reminded me of how dependable Filipinos are in times of crisis.
“Lastly, I would like to thank my family, friends and all of those who showed empathy, consideration and support throughout these trying times. You have given me strength and courage to rise above and be a better person.”
Need for new media literacy
The Lao incident confirms the need for a more educated public regarding the use of social media networks. These platforms provide richer means of exchange not possible in the old media. But as in all channels of communication, the impact on individuals and groups and on society as a whole depends on the quality and level of responsibility of the messages of the users and providers.
Oddly enough, GMA News was being criticized even by some journalists despite its apology and follow-up report, and the fact that it was not through GMA News but through the social media networks that Lao was insulted and ridiculed, which in journalism is regarded as a major ethical offense.
Is irresponsible comment inherent in new media platforms, whether blogs, social media networks, news sites, etc., given the absence of the gate-keeping traditional in journalism? Some journalists say yes, though with much regret, while others argue that it does not have to be so, and that it is a matter of observing certain ethical niceties and standards of logic (e.g., name calling is not an argument), no matter how minimal, so as to avoid doing others harm, as responsible communication practice demands.
[…] Are there limits to social media use? by Kathryn Raymundo […]