Can we understand the internet's impact on news by looking at the 19th century?
In short: The internet is often framed as a unique disruptor, but history suggests otherwise. By examining the 19th-century rise of mass media and the 20th-century broadcasting revolution, we can better decode how digital news shapes our politics, society, and commerce today. The transformation is deep, but it is not unprecedented.
Professor Steve Schifferes, an expert in financial journalism and former BBC economics correspondent, argues that we must view the current digital shift through an historical lens. His research suggests that the internet's influence on news is part of a broader evolution in how information is produced and consumed. Just as the mass media revolution of the 1800s and the broadcasting era of the 1900s fundamentally altered the social and economic landscape, the internet is now forcing a similar, if not deeper, transformation.
The core of this shift involves complex challenges, particularly regarding the verification of information in an age dominated by social media. Schifferes has led significant research projects, such as the EU-funded Social Sensor, which aimed to develop technological tools for journalists to detect and verify news stories circulating online. These efforts highlight a critical tension: while the internet democratizes access to information, it simultaneously complicates the ability of both the public and professionals to discern truth from noise.
Beyond verification, the internet has reshaped the economic agenda and public understanding of major events, such as the global financial crisis. Schifferes’ work explores how online media influences political discourse, from election coverage to the framing of austerity measures. By comparing these modern trends with historical precedents, he seeks to understand why public trust in the financial press remains fragile and how digital platforms might be better harnessed to foster a more informed society.
Ultimately, the debate over whether the internet has changed news for the better or worse remains open. It is not merely a technological question but a social one, deeply intertwined with broader trends in inequality and financial literacy. By studying the history of business journalism and the development of online media, we gain a clearer perspective on the mechanisms that govern our current information environment and the potential for future reform.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Has the Internet Changed News for Better or Worse? - Steve Schifferes
- Also: Has the Internet Changed News for Better or Worse? 250 Years of Technology
- Also: Professor Steve Schifferes • City St George's, University of London
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