| Abstract [eng] |
This thesis analyzes the experiences of Lithuanian journalists using social media as a source of information, videos and pictures about the war in Ukraine since 2022. In the case of the war in Ukraine, social media not only is an important part of journalists’ work and a significant source of content from Ukraine, but also a place where information warfare takes place and other dangerous phenomena are encountered. Despite the interest in the role of social media in journalism, there is a lack of empirical research in Lithuania analyzing the practices and experiences of Lithuanian journalists working with social media content. The aim of this work is to answer the research question: how Lithuanian journalists use social media as a source when reporting on the war in Ukraine, what risks and tensions they face, and what strategies they use to manage them. The theoretical part of this thesis discusses the functions of the journalists during wartime, the specifics of war journalism, the opportunities and challenges presented by social media, and the role of social media in the war in Ukraine. The research was conducted using semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 Lithuanian journalists representing different media outlets; three of the journalists interviewed have worked in Ukraine. The findings show that social media is an integral part of Lithuanian journalists’ work when reporting war in Ukraine, providing many opportunities for both those working remotely and those working on-site in Ukraine. Social media enables access to diverse sources, real-time information and visual material. However, the study also reveals that social media also poses many risks for journalists, including disinformation, propaganda, manipulation, algorithmic influence, and pressure to publish information as quickly as possible. Journalists face constant tension between the need for speed and professional standarts. The study identifies the main strategies used by journalists to verify social media content and manage risks, including cross checking sources, fact-checking, prioritising trusted accounts and adding formulations indicating that information could not be verified. The study also discusses the roles that journalists assign themselves when using social media content. This thesis contributes to academic research by filling an empirical gap in Lithuanian media studies and providing insights into journalists’s daily practices in the context of information warfare. |
