A Balance of Uncertainties: Renewing Attention to the Socialized Spaces Shaping Digital Journalism Studies

Abstract

In this commentary, I look back on ten years of Digital Journalism, and our shared efforts to define a field of Digital Journalism Studies. In doing so, I reflect on the strengths of our field as a socialized space as it has matured, and address two focal points, balance and uncertainty, which have centered my thinking about Digital Journalism Studies research. I then offer three recommendations for our field going forward: to prioritize offering perspective over developing predictions; to foster awareness over awe, and to maintain a devotion towards unapologetic contributions, with humility.

Keywords:

• Balance
• uncertainty
• presentism

Acknowledgements

My thanks to Oscar Westlund, Kristy Hess, and Edson Tandoc for years of friendship and camaraderie working together on this journal, and to Kristy and Oscar for their feedback on this commentary. And to Bob Franklin, for opening the door to this aspect of my career and all the benefits that have come with it, including passing me the reins to comment on our shared work.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)