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By Sara S. Rajan
In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts and attention spans are influenced by algorithms, journalism is undergoing a transformative shift that is both thrilling and deeply unsettling. Assistant Professor Oshan Uluşan, from the Department of Journalism at Near East University, offers insight into what it means to practice journalism in the age of hyper-reality – a term that describes the blurred boundaries between reality and constructed media narratives.
Performative Journalism Is Rising
According to Assistant Professor Uluşan, journalism has become increasingly performative. The pursuit of engagement – through likes, shares, and comments, has shifted the focus from informative reporting to dramatic presentation. “Social media has become a major outlet for journalism, but it’s driven by entertainment,” he explained. Even journalists often rely on these platforms for sourcing information, which influences the style and substance of the stories being told.
This media landscape has fostered the dominance of visually appealing, sensational and clickbait content. “It’s hard to capture people’s attention without some level of sensationalism. But that doesn’t mean engagement should be a measure of journalistic success.” Content is now dictated by algorithms, not editorial standards, which compromises the journalistic ethics. Uluşan emphasizes on the importance of striking a balance between engaging audiences and maintaining integrity and intellectual value in reporting.
With the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated content, the line between truth and fabrication is becoming increasingly difficult to discern. Uluşan argues that journalists must now be seen not only as providers of information but also as gatekeepers of reality. “Deepfakes are becoming normalized and accessible. One fake video can drastically shift public opinion – especially in a political context,” he noted. AI is being further utilized for content creation, often making it difficult to distinguish user-generated material from professional reporting. In this context, the journalist’s role expands to include vigilant fact-checking and source verification. “The core values – accuracy, fairness, and ethics remain unchanged,” said Uluşan. “But digital literacy is now essential. Journalists must be equipped to spot misinformation and understand how to navigate the digital environment responsibly.”
Adapting Without Compromising
In response to these rapid changes, Uluşan emphasizes the need for a critical mindset shift among journalism students. The profession demands adaptability paired with a firm commitment to core values. The media landscape is constantly evolving, and journalists must evolve with it. This includes embracing new formats, learning about the new technologies (especially AI), as well as understanding new storytelling tools and how to employ them. Additionally, immersive storytelling formats are becoming more common, particularly in the field of data journalism as they allow journalists to build complex, visually driven narratives that engage audiences on a more profound level.
Lifelong learning is crucial – it’s a process that extends well beyond a journalism degree. “The field no longer adheres to a nine-to-five structure. Digital platforms have reshaped journalistic routines and practices. Understanding this shift is essential.” It is only through continuous learning that journalists can evolve with the ever-changing media landscape.
Uluşan also highlighted the importance of digital literacy in identifying misinformation, deepfakes, and suspicious content. Journalists must question sources, cross-check facts, and understand the full context of any story before it’s published.
In a media environment increasingly defined by speed, virality, and visual spectacle, the role of a journalist is more critical and more complex than ever before. As Assistant Professor Oshan Uluşan notes, journalists must master the evolving tools of their trade while remaining firmly grounded in truth, ethics, and public responsibility. The future of journalism lies in embracing change without compromising the fundamental principles of journalism.