Re-opening the Black Box of Code in the Era of Digital Technology

Bibliographic Data

ID22011001
AuthorsMatthew S Weber (0000-0003-3880-9131, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, corresponding author), Eddy Borges-Rey (0000-0003-2833-0901, Northwestern University in Qatar)
Year2024
Volume12
Issue7
Pages1068-1076
Publication date2024-08-08
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueDigital Journalism (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2167-0811 • E-ISSN: 2167-082X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/21670811.2024.2397085
OpenAlexW4402440596
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited19

In this commentary piece, we discuss the imperative of understanding the role of code as a central, yet often opaque, part of journalism. From the foundational SQL and HTML to advanced AI models like ChatGPT, code now permeates every facet of news production and consumption. We aim, therefore, to critically examine the historical evolution and current implications of these technologies, emphasizing the need for journalists and scholars to scrutinize their embedded biases and power structures. As code increasingly mediates knowledge production, we argue that the journalism community must develop both technical understanding and critical perspectives to navigate and challenge these black boxes. This examination is vital to ensure that technological advancements serve to enhance rather than undermine the integrity and efficacy of journalism. In addition, our commentary highlights the cognitive shifts induced by code-mediated tools and advocates for a balanced approach that fosters innovation while maintaining critical oversight. Through this exploration, we call for a deeper, more nuanced engagement with the technologies that shape modern journalism, urging our colleagues to embrace this challenge in their scholarly and professional endeavors

Black box · Computer security · Internet privacy · Political science · Programming language · Computer Science · Ethics and Social Impacts of AI · Law, AI, and Intellectual Property · Open Source Software Innovations

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