Kathmandu: Stakeholders have advised journalists to use digital platforms accurately, acknowledging their unavoidable influence in the information ecosystem. During a recent program organized by the Working Women Journalists (WWJ), media trainer and senior journalist Prof. Dr. Ramkrishna Regmi highlighted the challenges posed by digital platforms in journalism, particularly the impact on mass media due to the flow of information, misinformation, and disinformation on social sites.

Regmi emphasized the need for journalists to adapt to the changing landscape of mass communication and to consciously tackle the increasing influence of social sites. He stressed the importance of fact-checking information from social sites, as they often contain user-generated content that can be misleading.

Regmi pointed out that the information ecosystem has evolved significantly, with changes in length, design, presentation, construction, and access. With advanced IT innovations, information consumers have become smarter and expect instant access to information on a single device. Social sites have become attractive for both information and entertainment, but journalists must navigate these changes responsibly.

Senior journalist Nirmala Sharma echoed these sentiments, stressing the need for journalists to filter out accurate information from the flood of content on social networking sites. She emphasized that authenticity and fact-checking are crucial when translating social media content into journalistic writing.

Media researcher Ujjwal Acharya described technology as a double-edged sword, emphasizing the need for conscientious use by journalists. Acharya's presentation focused on the benefits of using social networking sites and AI to enhance professional skills and performance, including engaging with audiences, providing real-time news updates, and accessing a broader audience.

However, Acharya also highlighted the challenges associated with technology, such as balancing human judgment with AI capabilities, managing misinformation and manipulation, dealing with online harassment, and ensuring ethical considerations like maintaining journalistic integrity, respecting privacy, and avoiding biases in AI algorithms.

Some participants expressed concerns about the rising encroachment of social networking sites on journalism. They recalled their generation's rigorous training and dedication to learning reporting skills before entering the field, contrasting it with the current ease of access to media through multiple channels.

At the inaugural session, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Indira Rana urged journalists to focus on their professional performance and ensure their content remains free from fake news, misinformation, political favoritism, and prejudices. She termed journalists as fighters for democracy and encouraged them to make concise use of digital platforms, recognizing the implications of IT and the growing space of these platforms.

In summary, while digital platforms and AI offer numerous benefits for journalism, experts and stakeholders emphasize the importance of ethical and conscientious use to maintain the integrity of the profession amidst the challenges posed by the digital age.