Is laziness unethical?

Unethical journalists have always existed and they always will. In every fast-paced, money-driven, and cutthroat industry there will always be cheaters. (See steroids in baseball).

And just like baseball, the “cheaters” have evolved at the same rapid pace as technology. Technology has made unethical behavior easier. But, does that mean it’s more prevalent?

I don’t think so.

There are journalists who want to do it the right way and there are those who just want to get ahead at any price. While technology creates an ever-increasing temptation to cut corners, well-trained journalists will not waiver. Maybe that’s just the Cubs optimism in me leaking out.

Every reporter wants to break the big story. Jason Leopold, in his book “News Junkie,” revealed his lies, shortcuts, and manipulation that led him to the forefront of the California energy crisis. But, he eventually got caught, just like Jason Blair. Then there was Dan Rather in 2004. He (knowingly/unknowingly) used forged military documents in a CBS news story that attacked President Bush’s (lack of) military service.

But as in all these cases, technology was a double-edged sword. Computers can forge documents, and the Internet can give you background on locations even if you aren’t really there. But, in the end technology was a major reason why they were caught.

I believe the biggest problem with technology isn’t necessarily the increase of unethical behavior. I believe it promotes laziness.

Bob Steele, director of journalism ethics programs for the Poynter Institute said, “…Computers are changing the news-gathering process. Turning to online sources for information or using computers to analyze information has become almost as commonplace as dropping in on city hall. And, with the increased use of different newsgathering methodology, editors might face new ethical challenges, or at least, new twists on old problems.”

This isn’t making up sources, forging documents, or lying to sources. This is just pure laziness. The best reporting is done outside of the newsroom. But, it requires lots of legwork and creativity.

Bob Steele continued by adding two crucial findings about technology’s affect on the media. I suspect these points are more at the heart of resolving the debate concerning techonology and ethics.

First he said, “So far, there have been relatively few reported instances of ethical problems associated with computer-assisted journalism.”

Later he said, “One of the most common forms of technology misuse has been in the arena of photojournalism. Several publications have been caught in computer photo manipulations.”

So, where do we stand?

I believe we are in the same place as before the technology boom. I have used Google and Wikipedia to find sources or to find background information. But, then I called sources, met with those involved, and attended meetings. Technology can just as easily supplement quality journalism as it could promote unethical behavior.