Journalism in the Digital Age: Spectacle or Mirror of Reality?

By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam 16 October 2025 The dreams I once held in my mind, I could neither write them down nor read them aloud. When I got a voice, it was cut off. When I got a pen, it was sold out. — Iqbal Ashar Since the beginning, humans have raised their voices in search of truth. This quest became part of our nature. It laid the foundation of journalism. Journalism is more than just reporting news. It protects truth, justice, and democratic values. But today, in the age of technology and digital media, the true spirit of journalism is wounded. Its face has changed. Social media has definitely widened the space for freedom of expression. Anyone can speak up. Everyone is a reporter now. Every mobile phone has a camera, and every smartphone can be a newsroom. Platforms like Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram have reshaped how people connect. However, this freedom has a dark side. The line between truth and lies, fact and rumour, has become blurred. Unchecked, sensational noise fills these platforms. News is often created just for attention or fame. Journalism, once the voice of the weak and oppressed, is now serving corporate interests. The courage to speak the truth is fading. Instead of encouraging thoughtful reflection, news has turned into mere entertainment. This issue is not just about technology. It is a sign of moral and intellectual decline. Experts remind us that there was a time when news was carefully checked by editors and held to ethical standards. Today, in the rush to be the first with “breaking news,” truth and seriousness are dying. This problem is not limited to one country or region. It is a global crisis. The speed of social media has swallowed careful investigation, while sensationalism has blurred reality. In this digital era, it is important to remember what journalism once stood for. Truth, justice, and responsibility must return to the heart of reporting. Otherwise, the dreams we carry may remain unspoken, and our voices silenced or sold. The Rising Risks for Journalists According to Reporters Without Borders’ annual report, 54 journalists worldwide were killed in 2024 because of their work. Shockingly, one-third of these deaths were caused by the Israeli military. In addition, nearly 550 journalists remain imprisoned. Their only “crime” is refusing to bow to power and speak the truth. Maria Ressa, a Nobel Prize-winning journalist, puts it simply: “Without facts, you can't have truth. Without truth, you can't have trust. Without trust, we have no shared reality.” This is the heart of journalism. Without facts, there is no truth. Without truth, society cannot function. Sadly, much of what passes for journalism today goes against these core principles. Many people call themselves “journalists” without training, research, or ethical guidelines. Social media is flooded with false news that spreads hatred, fear, and division in society. A critic once said it well: “When journalism becomes an uncontrolled business, it loses its conscience.” Yet, hope remains. Among the younger generation, there are students who take journalism seriously. They see it as a mission. Their goals are truth, investigation, and the betterment of humanity. But when these young journalists enter the field, they face harsh realities. Economic insecurity, moral pressure, and oppression for speaking the truth often greet them. Truth and Justice in Religious Teachings The true strength of journalism lies in its impartiality, honesty, and social responsibility. Every religion, culture, and society values speaking the truth as a moral act. From an Islamic perspective, the Quran says: "And when you speak, be just." (Surah Al-An'am: 152) Justice and fairness are fundamental principles in Islam. Truthfulness and honesty in speech are demanded, no matter how hard the circumstances. The Quran teaches not only to speak the truth but also to avoid exaggeration, lies, deceit, and oppression to maintain social justice. In Islamic ethics, the tongue is a powerful tool that every Muslim must use wisely and respectfully. In Christianity, the Bible says: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32) Truth is portrayed as a light that frees the soul. Speaking the truth and living by it is seen as a path to spiritual freedom and salvation. Truth is not just a fact but a moral and spiritual duty. The Bible strongly forbids lying and urges believers to walk in truth to fulfil God’s will. Buddhism highlights "Right Speech" as a key part of the Noble Eightfold Path. It means speaking truthfully and using language to promote kindness, compassion, and understanding—not harm. Words are powerful because they affect the heart and mind. Speaking false, hateful, or harmful words goes against spiritual growth. Right Speech aims to make communication peaceful and helpful. In Hinduism, truth (Satya) is the highest moral principle and the foundation of Dharma (duty). Ancient texts like the Mahabharata emphasize that truth is the path to true happiness and well-being. Hindu philosophy teaches that speech must be pure and gentle, as words affect both others and the speaker’s soul. Lies, cunning, and deceit are seen as negative and harmful to social harmony. Despite different cultural and philosophical backgrounds, these four religious teachings share a deep message: truth, justice, gentleness, and responsibility in speech are essential. These principles honour human dignity, create order in society, and sustain communities. Every religion reminds us that words reflect character and guide us to be better human beings. The Collective Responsibility for Truthful Journalism The responsibility for truthful journalism does not rest solely on journalists. Every individual, every institution, and every social group must uphold and support honest journalism with full dedication and sincerity. The survival of journalism is directly tied to the survival of human awareness, democracy, and justice. This means protecting journalists should not remain just a paper law. It must be enforced effectively in practice. Media organizations need ethical training. They must be strictly held accountable to professional standards. Strong legal and scientific measures are needed to fight false and misleading news spreading on social media. This effort must be fair and without discrimination based on religion or community. Additionally, the public should be educated in “media literacy”—the ability to understand, evaluate, and analyse news critically. Though journalism faces many challenges today, the light of truth never fades. As long as even one journalist stands honestly with their conscience, as long as even one reader values the truth, and as long as even one young person takes journalism as a sacred duty, journalism will not only survive but remain the voice and insight of humanity. If the pen bends, conscience must awaken. If the pen sells out, it is the reader’s duty to reject it. Where the voice of truth is silenced, oppression grows loud. Where journalism is sold, the bonds of society break apart. That is why the freedom and integrity of journalism are not just professional needs—they are the foundation of human dignity and collective justice. ---- Kaniz Fatma is an Islamic Scholar (Aalima and Faazila) and Regular Columnist for New Age Islam. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/spiritual-meditations/journalism-digital-age-spectacle-reality/d/137265 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism