The Impact of Social Media Echo Chambers on Semantic Integrity in Journalism: A study of Language Change and Pragmatic Shift

Abstract

This article analyzes the deep influence of social media echo chambers on journalistic integrity and, more importantly, semantic shifts in language and pragmatic changes in journalism. Given that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube curate content according to user tastes, it is clear that echo chambers encourage an environment in which users are largely set to receive ideologically congruent information that confirms their bias while limiting alternative perspectives. It fundamentally transforms journalism from an objective profession into one based on sensationalism and ideological polarization. The book explores how algorithmic curating increases emotive content and contributes to the spread of misinformation and the erosion of traditionally journalistic words like "truth" and "freedom." The semantic shift is part of a larger challenge in which neutral, fact-based language was commandeered for partisan purposes. Making an analysis of the case studies that center on politically charged events-the present study conducted a mixed-methods approach to estimate the effects of echo chambers in public discourse, news consumption, and the media landscape. The findings call for deep reforms within the essentials of content moderation, greater algorithmic transparency, and improved media literacy to counter the increasingly prolific threat that is outstripping journalistic standards and civic processes.