Author(s)

Yifan Gao

Corresponding Author

Yifan Gao

Abstract

The dissemination of false information has significantly transformed the role of journalism in democratic societies. This paper examines journalism’s impact on headline framing, contextualization, and reporting practices, all of which contribute to public confusion and mistrust. Through a series of case studies—including inaccurate health reporting, disinformation in war zones, and fact-based narratives lacking proper context—this analysis highlights how credibility gaps, driven by journalistic missteps, undermine media trust. The paper argues that journalistic ethics must go beyond accuracy and verification to encompass contextual clarity, political accountability, and social responsibility. Drawing on recent interdisciplinary literature and institutional responses, the study offers policy recommendations on algorithmic transparency, platform accessibility, and comprehensive media literacy initiatives. These efforts are crucial to preserving democratic discourse and mitigating the harms of unchecked digital information flows.

Keywords

misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, journalism ethics, media trust, media literacy, sensationalism, algorithmic amplification, political communication