Farewell To The Gatekeeper: Navigating the Ethical Quandary of Fake News

By Gabriel Nyitse and Osamuyime Igbinadolor.

In an era where our view of mass communication in modern society has been extensively reconfigured by new media applications stemming from the rollout of digital technologies, we bid farewell to a figure who held a unique position in our society—the Gatekeeper.

 This metaphorical guardian of knowledge and information played a pivotal role in filtering and controlling the flow of information. However, as we navigate the digital age, the Gatekeeper has met its demise, leaving us to contemplate the implications of its absence and the future of information dissemination.

The Gatekeeper, often represented by traditional media outlets, served as a filter, selecting, verifying, and disseminating information to the masses. Journalists and editors acted as the guardians of truth, wielding the power to shape public discourse and influence societal perceptions. Their role involved fact-checking, adhering to ethical guidelines, and providing context to news stories, thus ensuring that the public received accurate and reliable information.

The advent of the internet and the proliferation of social media platforms marked a significant turning point in how information is created, shared, and consumed. As digital technology advanced, the Gatekeeper’s influence began to wane. The democratization of information allowed anyone with an internet connection to publish content and engage with audiences on a global scale. This shift brought some benefits yet it birthed an ethical quandary, fake news competing with real news.

The death of the Gatekeeper opened doors to diverse voices and perspectives. Previously marginalized individuals and communities gained platforms to share their stories and challenge existing narratives. Social media platforms became arenas for public discourse, enabling grassroots movements to gain momentum and effect change. The removal of the Gatekeeper also meant greater access to information, empowering individuals to seek knowledge independently.

However, the absence of the Gatekeeper also presented challenges, chief among them is the rise of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, prompting a wise man to remark that ‘journalism is under siege’. The gatekeeping function that once filtered out inaccurate or misleading information now rested in the hands of individual consumers. The lack of verification and fact-checking led to the proliferation of falsehoods, leading to increased polarization and the erosion of trust in institutions. In the absence of the Gatekeeper, the responsibility of discerning reliable information now lies with the individual. Nurturing critical thinking skills has become crucial for navigating the overwhelming amount of data available online. It is essential to develop the ability to evaluate sources, cross-reference information, and question the validity and biases of content. There is now only one way to navigate this ethical quandary- become your own gatekeeper and here’s a practical guide to be one.

Verify sources. Examine the source of the news. Is it a well-known and reputable news outlet? Be cautious of unfamiliar or suspicious websites that mimic popular sources. Check if the website has an “About” page, which can provide insights into its mission, editorial process, and staff.

Assess the author’s credibility. Investigate the author’s qualifications, expertise, and reputation. Look for their previous work and determine whether they have a history of producing reliable content. Lack of author information or a history of misinformation can raise red flags.

Cross-reference with other sources. Compare the news story with information from multiple trusted sources. If the same information is reported by reputable news organizations, it’s more likely to be accurate. Diverse coverage across reliable sources adds credibility.

Check the publication date. Fake news sometimes resurfaces or is shared without considering its outdated nature. Verify if the news is recent, as outdated information may not reflect the current reality.

Evaluate the writing quality. Poor grammar, excessive use of capital letters, sensationalized headlines, or an excessive number of ads on a webpage may indicate a lack of professionalism or credibility. Legitimate news outlets typically maintain high editorial standards.

Investigate supporting evidence. Look for verifiable facts, quotes from credible sources, and supporting evidence within the news article. Fake news often lacks reliable sources, relies heavily on personal opinions, or presents information without proper context.

Be skeptical of clickbait and sensational headlines. Clickbait refers to content, typically found on the internet, that is designed to attract attention and generate clicks, often through sensationalized or misleading headlines or thumbnails. Sensational headlines are designed to attract attention and generate clicks. Read beyond the headline and assess the content of the article before drawing conclusions.

Consider your own biases. Acknowledge your own biases and preconceived notions. Fake news often plays on emotions and reinforces existing beliefs. Be critical and open-minded when evaluating news stories.

Utilize fact-checking websites. Utilize fact-checking websites like Snopes, FactCheck.org, PolitiFact, or Reuters Fact Check. These platforms analyze and verify the accuracy of various claims and news stories.

Be cautious with social media. Fake news can spread rapidly through social media platforms. Be wary of news shared by unknown or unverified sources. Verify the information by following the aforementioned steps before sharing it further.

Now you have some of the tools to resist those who have become infamously well versed in the Media’s dark arts. Welcome Citizen Gatekeeper.

Gabriel Nyitse is a Senior Lecturer at Bingham University, Karu.

Osamuyime Igbinadolor is a Media Practitioner based in Jos.