Instigate, Innovate and Inspire
Is blogging and journalism the same? This is a question I failed to ask Nina Terol. In this age of 21st century, it is unmistakable to argue that power of web is undeniably crafting a new form of media. Certainly, this power can be utilized to instigate social change for the good, but it can also be the other way around. This kind of power we possess because of social media is being exploited. “Blogging has also changed the way journalism moves”, Nina Terol mentioned. While Web 2.0 allows us to experience Internet wherein we can interact, blog and engage online, I believe that it is in fact undermining the ethical foundations of journalism. Blogging isn't completely equal to journalism. Journalists, for instance, have normally enjoyed an education in reporting the news and are obliged to fulfill a number of rules to be "neutral". They should always be able to support the things which they say. But, of course, journalism standards have lowered in recent years because of commercialism. Bloggers can publish anything they want. They are often very biased and they can blatantly lie without to heavy consequences. Too much personal opinion is included in blog entries to be classified as journalism. Journalists also have a code of ethics they usually follow that includes being factual and impartial and there is no such code for bloggers. Journalism is objective in nature but blogging is subjective. Yet, the latter is still a powerful tool to instigate social reforms and every tool can be a weapon if used properly, as Gang Badoy had mentioned in his closing remarks. Notably, it is wonderful to know about the YVote- a website where we can get useful information about the profiles and backgrounds of candidates for 2010 elections. Honestly, it was a revelation to me when Ms. Nina pointed out that the youth will comprise 48-56% of the electoral if they’re going to vote. Inspiration and motivation crept out of my senses to know how we can...