Before we start the topic, we must know what is online journalism? Online journalism or some may termed it as ‘online journalism’, ‘Internet journalism’, or ‘cyber journalism’ is not simply online news, but covers a much diverse area that includes online newspapers, informative websites, weblogs, bulletin boards, and chat rooms, where audiences read, watch, listen, discuss, share and debate ideas, opinions and thoughts that concern public interest (Millison 1999; Allen 2000; Hall 2001; Wolk 2001; Deuze 2003; Gunter 2003).
Thus, the topic related to this matter is online journalism should be controlled. Why must it be controlled? In my opinion, it should be controlled because as we know many people would rather seek information through searching on the internet. Therefore, they will believe in what they read. It is alright to believe in what they read as long as it is a fact. But what if it is just a rumour that makes people influenced with it and believes in what they read. It is wrong. We should have a gatekeeper in whatever that we want to post. For example in 2011, our prime minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Razak had announced that ISA act will be repealed. Now that it had been repealed, many people will misuse it. That is why many articles regarding sensitive issues are everywhere to be read.
Writing is about freedom but you must limit yourself in writing regarding sensitive issues such as racism that can trigger chaos. If there is no gate-keeper, people sometimes can’t control themselves in writing. For example in Bob Kuman’s Death, although he is not dead yet, people have already post things that he is dead. This is because there is no gate-keeper to prevent this from happening. Therefore the rumor was spread and this had been a sensitive issue to his family. This is why online journalism should be controlled.
However, if someone posts something that is a fact that has not been published in a mainstream media, then that is a bonus to the readers out there. But if it is just a stupid rumor, then people who does not do their research or investigate first and straight away believe in what they read will just forever be a buffalo. Everything that we read, must first do a research on it so that we will not get influenced with negative thoughts.
We as humans are tied with rules and we must obey them whether we like it or not. There are so many ethics to be followed. Writing things that will ruin other people's life is wrong. Just imagine if it happens to you or your family, you won't be like it as well. Online journalism should be controlled in order to make the world in peace.
