The Role of Journalistic Ethics in Information Consumption: A Phenomenological Study Among Senior High School Student Journalists in the Age of Fake News
Chezzy Marie Yawaka, Angel Grace Dayola
Received: 12 November 2025; Revised: 16 February 2026; Accepted: 24 February 2026; Published: 25 February 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.66074/KI09LO87
Abstract
Fake news spreads rapidly across social media platforms and creates serious risks for young information consumers, including student journalists who are expected to model responsible media use. This phenomenological study examined how senior high school student journalists understand and apply journalistic ethics in information consumption in the age of fake news. Two qualified student journalists from a school publication in Davao City participated in asynchronous online interviews. The study used the Elements of Journalism as a theoretical lens, focusing on obligation to truth, loyalty to citizens, and discipline of verification. Thematic analysis of responses showed that participants applied ethical judgment through fact-checking, source comparison, bias detection, and verification of publication credibility before accepting or sharing information. They also described growing vigilance, stronger commitment to truthful reporting, and increased confidence in evaluating misinformation due to journalistic training and experience. Findings highlight the practical value of ethics-oriented campus journalism training in strengthening critical thinking and responsible information consumption among student journalists.
Keywords: elements of journalism, fake news, information consumption, journalistic ethics, student journalists
Author Information: Philippine Academy of Sakya Davao, Inc., Davao, Philippines; angeldayola0219@gmail
Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2026