It is time for a collective effort to reform journalism and regulate social media usage in a way that upholds ethical standards and respects public sensibilities
The recent tragedy in Kashmir, where five members of a family tragically lost their lives due to suffocation, has left the community in deep mourning. While reporting such incidents is essential to inform the public, how some media outlets and individuals handle these stories raises serious ethical concerns. Broadcasting visuals of such heart-breaking scenes is not only unnecessary but also deeply insensitive. It breaches the privacy of individuals and grieving families, turning their tragedies into public spectacles.
Broadcasting visuals of dead bodies, including children and women, showing how they are carried, how families are mourning, and how they are buried all for a few likes and shares disregards privacy and ethical regulations. Such actions expose viewers to unnecessary emotional distress and undermine the very essence of journalism, which demands a commitment to sensitivity, compassion, and responsibility principles that should never be compromised for sensationalism or higher viewership ratings.
Journalism is a noble and highly serious profession. It holds the power to influence public opinion, create awareness, and drive change. Such a significant role requires discipline, training, and adherence to ethical standards. How can we see everyone as a journalist without proper qualifications? Doesn’t this profession demand certain requirements and regulations to follow? A formal degree in journalism, along with mandatory registration and strict adherence to a code of ethics, should be prerequisites for anyone entering this field. Allowing unqualified individuals to practice journalism diminishes its value, leading to misinformation, sensationalism, and harm to the very society it aims to serve.
Why is there a lack of accountability and control for the dissemination of information by individuals on Facebook, one of the significant challenges in modern journalism, particularly in regions like Kashmir, is the misuse of social media platforms like Facebook. While these platforms are used globally, the way they are utilised in Kashmir often creates unnecessary hue and cry. It is disheartening to see that every incident, whether it is a death, an accident, an illness, a missing person, any sort of family personal dispute, or even snowfall during a season when it is a natural and common phenomenon, is amplified to an extreme degree. Such overuse of social media for every issue not only dilutes the seriousness of journalism but also causes undue stress and emotional torture to the public. Constant exposure to these posts creates a state of anxiety and overshadows the platform’s potential to serve as a medium for constructive dialogue and awareness.
Moreover, the excessive focus on personal tragedies often infringes on the privacy of families, causing them additional emotional distress during their most vulnerable moments. Instead of sensationalising or broadcasting personal tragedies, responsible journalism and social media usage should focus on providing meaningful insights. For instance, the media could educate the public on preventive measures to avoid such tragedies or highlight broader societal issues. Social media, when used wisely, can amplify important voices and foster collective growth rather than spreading distress or panic.
It is time for a collective effort to reform journalism and regulate social media usage in a way that upholds ethical standards and respects public sensibilities. As a noble profession, journalism should remain rooted in integrity, compassion, and public service, with qualified individuals at the helm. Similarly, platforms like Facebook must be used responsibly to inform, educate, and empower rather than sensationalise or emotionally burden society. Let this incident be a wake-up call for all of us to prioritise dignity, respect, and ethics in how we share and consume information. By ensuring that journalism and social media remain tools for positive societal change, we can protect the privacy and dignity of individuals and families while fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
The writer is an Assistant Professor (Contractual), Department of Business Administration, School of Business Studies, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Pulwama
Dr Syed Irfan Shafi
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