By DANIZE CAEZARIE L. ROMERO
(Editor’s Note: Ms. Danize is a 4th year Bachelor of Arts-Journalism student at the University of La Salette, Santiago City.)
As a journalism student, I firmly believe that the journalism profession remains deeply relevant in today’s society. In a time where misinformation spreads at the speed of a click and where truth is often buried under waves of disinformation, the role of journalists is more important than ever. Journalism is not simply about reporting events, it is about defending truth, amplifying voices, and holding those in power accountable. Even if the profession is often undervalued, underpaid, and sometimes exploited, I hold on to my passion and dedication to this calling. I am committed to the idea that journalism is not just a career, but a responsibility, a duty.
For me, journalism is important because it keeps people informed. News reports, whether about the weather or politics, help people make better choices. As a student covering youth events in my city, I’ve seen how much people depend on clear and accurate reporting to know what’s going on. Today, when there’s so much noise and distraction, journalism matters even more because it helps us find the truth.
Technology has undoubtedly reshaped journalism. New media platforms and digital tools have transformed how news is delivered and consumed. Personally, I find this both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, social media and multimedia storytelling allow stories to reach wider audiences at an unprecedented speed. For instance, when I have to find information about a local youth assembly, I didn’t stop at the written article. I searched for a short video recap that are posted online, where it has reached hundreds more than the print circulation could. That moment showed me that people still crave stories, they just want them in forms that are fast, engaging, and accessible.
Technology has also brought many problems, especially when it comes to misinformation. A lot of social media creators are not trained in journalism, so they can easily post false or exaggerated content just to get likes and views. Sometimes it’s frustrating to see clickbait and fake news gain more attention than stories that are properly researched and written. But I don’t think technology is the enemy. For me, it’s something we should learn to use. If journalists can master these platforms, we can use them to spread truth and make journalism strong again in the digital world.
In my own community, I can see how traditional journalism and social media creators exist side by side, though not always smoothly. Most people now get their news from Facebook, TikTok, or YouTube because it’s faster and more entertaining than reading a newspaper or listening to the radio. But during serious times, like the last typhoon in our city, people still turned to trusted sources like local radio and newspapers. Social media was full of rumors, but it was the professional journalists who gave clear and verified updates about relief operations and government announcements. That showed me again how important journalism is, especially in times of crisis.
Being a journalism student today is not easy. I know this path does not promise wealth or comfort, and many journalists are overworked and underpaid. Some even face danger just for doing their jobs. But even with these challenges, my love for journalism is bigger. For me, journalism is about serving others; telling the truth, giving people the information they need, and being the voice of the community. Even if society doesn’t always value journalists enough, the reward comes from knowing that the stories we tell can help, inspire, and even protect people.
I believe journalism is not dying, but changing. It is growing with the times, and as a student, I want to be part of that change. I want to carry with me the values of honesty, dedication, and responsibility. I know this profession will be difficult, but I am ready to face it because I believe in its purpose. As long as there are stories that need to be told and truths that need to be defended, journalism will always matter. And I am proud to say that I want to be one of the people who will keep it alive.#
