As we are in middle of the 9 days, I thought that it would be a good time to try to fix some of the glaring issues that plague Jewish news reporting on social media. So many of us are constantly bothered by what news is reported, how it’s reported, and the timing of the reports.
Some of the prevalent issues include lashon harah, people finding out that close relatives died from a WhatsApp status, and in general, graphic images and videos. (Is it really appropriate to post a video of a cop pulling an injured person from a car and applying a tourniquet?!)
While my personal modus operandi is generally to let the rabbis decide what is or is not allowed and to follow that, I am not sure there would be any way to enforce that standard across the board. Unfortunately, I do not think people will listen, as many don’t want to be beholden to constant oversight, especially when it comes to internet. Rather, I believe a solution to this must come from the bottom up.
Here’s my suggestion.
Perhaps we could start some type of a rating system for Jewish News outlets here on DDF, with the hope it will spread further. This way each individual can decide whether they wish to view this news source or not, knowing in advance what they expect to see, hear, or read.
For instance:
Rating A: Does not post names, pictures of accidents or the like, or graphics videos including shootings, etc.
Rating B: Does not post names until it is confirmed that the family has been notified, will post graphic content with discretion and prior warnings.
Rating C: No discretion at all.
This way, no one is forcing anyone to do anything, and nothing is being banned. “Reporters” can decide what they want to post to meet the standards of their desired clientele.
Your thoughts?