Envisioning Epistemological Encounters in an Era Dominated by Disinformation and Deep Distrust of Journalism

Abstract

A special issue that makes us think deeply about the epistemology of digital journalism was always going to attract the attention of journalism researchers. This one is uniquely poised to make a timely contribution because it comes at a time when societies around the world have remained profoundly polarised, particularly when it comes to issues pertaining to knowledge emerging from digital platforms. As such, the purpose of this article is to add a voice to inspiring conversations emerging from this special issue about what, how and why we need to put forward illuminative debates that help us deepen our knowledge about epistemological insights that continue to shape the development of digital journalism in modern society. It begins with definitional concerns before critiquing problems associated with journalistic knowledge emerging from digital platforms, focusing on trust and power relations. It them makes a rallying call to digital journalism’s bickering communities to consider using digital transformation as a unifying tool through dialogue.