Adaptation to WhatsApp and re-standardization of journalistic work in Bolivia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29105/gmjmx18.35-9Keywords:
professional adaptation, standardization, Bolivia, WhatsApp, journalistsAbstract
Previous studies on the impact of technological innovation in journalism have tended not to look deeply enough into the adaptation of journalists to the use of technology, which has limited the analysis of what this occupational change implies for working conditions. This research examines the implications of technological innovation in journalistic work based on the perceptions and experiences of Bolivian journalists regarding the use of WhatsApp in newsgathering. Under a qualitative methodology, we emphasize the role of the organizational factor and that of professional agency in innovation. The findings suggest that the routine inclusion of this messaging platform in already standardized newsgathering practices leads to a re-standardization of the work. In these terms, innovation involves individual and collective adaptation processes in which the use of WhatsApp is oriented to deal with a competitive work environment and responds to organizational demands, individual motivations, and contextual pressures. Finally, the logic of connectivity behind the mobile chat platform puts journalists in a relationship of dependence with technology that makes their work and personal lives precarious.
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Global Media Journal México, publicación semestral, editada por el Departamento de Psicología y Comunicación de Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas, Estados Unidos; y la Facultad de Ciencias de la Comunicación de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, México. Editores responsables: Dr. José Carlos Lozano y Dr. Francisco Javier Martínez Garza. Datos de contactos: jose.lozano@tamiu.edu, tel. (956) 326-3117 y francisco.martinezgz@uanl.edu.mx, teléfono (81) 83294000, Ext. 7710 y 7711. Reserva de derechos al uso exclusivo número 04 – 2017- 080814012900- 203, expedido por la Dirección de Reservas de Derechos del Instituto Nacional del Derecho de Autor. ISSN: 2007-2031. El editor no necesariamente comparte el contenido de los artículos, ya que son responsabilidad exclusiva de los autores. Se prohíbe la reproducción total o parcial del contenido, ilustraciones y textos publicados en este número sin la previa autorización que por escrito emita el editor.
