In the midst of the age of social media, many claim that journalistic integrity has been in decline. Whether you’re reading an article about the aliens that are going to blow up the world tomorrow, how the Eiffel Tower is secretly made of baguettes or how pineapple belongs on pizza, there is a strong chance that it’s all opinion and no fact. Most journalists would agree that this lack of facts must cease, but I’m here to disagree. The following are my reasons why journalists should continue feeding lies to the public.
1. Lies keep people entertained:
If the news wasn’t a reality TV show 24/7, who would watch it? The twists and turns are what bring people back for more. Facts are not interesting, so journalists only mix a little in along with opinions, arguments and straight-up lies.
When audiences are treated like clients, news reporters will do anything to keep their viewers attentive, and who can blame them? In a world where everyone can say anything they want to, why shouldn’t journalists be able to do the same?
2. People stay on their toes while working for the truth:
Dedicated readers are the ones who will sift through the lies to piece the shreds of truth left over together. If you have to work to get the truth, you won’t get bored. If you don’t get bored you keep reading. If you keep reading, journalists get money. It’s like a fun crossword puzzle that never ends.
3. Readers learn important life lessons:
If even the people who are supposed to tell you the truth don’t, you’ll learn not to trust anyone. The news helps you learn to question everything, and if you do that then it doesn’t matter what we tell you, you’ll question it anyway. In a way, we’re helping you become the truth seekers you wish to see in the world. I think Gandhi said that, but it’s up to you to find out the real truth.
4. Journalists are people too:
Journalists might claim to have an obligation to the truth, but at their core, they are gossipers, not truth-tellers. In a world where everyone can say anything they want to, why shouldn’t journalists be able to do the same? After all, they are people too. Journalists have their own version of reality, and they have a burning desire, much like everyone else, to tell their truth.
5. News reporters have First Amendment rights:
As American citizens, journalists have the right to speak their truth, even if it’s false information. It is their unalienable right to say whatever they want to, but it’s your right to choose what to believe. News reporters have no legal obligation to the truth, so why should they?
In conclusion, journalists lie. That might be a fact. I don’t know. It’s up to you to decide what’s real and what’s not, but that’s my truth.
