The platform beat: Algorithmic watchdogs in the disinformation age
Journal Article (Journal Article)
As digital platforms have come to play a central role in the news and information ecosystem, a new realm of watchdog journalism has emerged – the platform beat. Journalists on the platform beat report on the operation, use and misuse of social media platforms and search engines. The platform beat can serve as an important mechanism for increasing the accountability of digital platforms, in ways that can affect public trust in the platforms, but that can also, hopefully, lead to the development of stronger, more reliable, and ultimately more trustworthy, platforms. However, there are a number of tensions, vulnerabilities and potential conflicts of interest that characterize the platform beat. This article explores these complex dynamics of the platform beat in an effort assess the capacity of those on the platform beat to enhance the accountability and trustworthiness of digital platforms.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Napoli, PM
Published Date
- August 1, 2021
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 36 / 4
Start / End Page
- 376 - 390
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1460-3705
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0267-3231
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1177/02673231211028359
Citation Source
- Scopus