If the online presence of the social media community considered ethics and moral principles, the president would not be tweeting fake information, incorrect coronavirus information would not be rapidly spreading, and TMZ would not have released the news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s deaths before all family members were aware of the news. However, as we enter 2020, it is apparent that media outlets will rush produce any content, to ensure that they are the first media source to release the information, whether it is right or wrong. 

As digital citizens in this age, it is apparent that when a major event occurs, some early coverage will feature false information. However, TMZ is usually right as a celebrity news oriented site. In 2009, TMZ was the first to release the news of Michael Jackson’s death, and was also one of the first news outlets to release details of the rapper Juice Wrld’s death in December of 2019. Most of the time, this invasive news source reports quick information. While releasing details of Kobe’s death before his family was notified was completely inappropriate and unacceptable, it will make no difference for next time. It’s simply what they do. Many fans at first did not believe this credible site, because the news seemed so sudden that it couldn’t be accurate. 

Whenever a new story comes to light, it is important for journalists to consider and decide how far it is appropriate to go and how fast it is acceptable to do so. Especially for tragic reports, journalists must consider the ramifications of putting themselves and their reputation over the emotions of the family. 

Unlike TMZ, the Los Angeles Times proceeded with caution when news was released of Kobe’s death. The credible news source used twitter to explain, “We are aware of reports about Kobe Bryant and are currently investigating,” the newspaper said on Twitter at 2:36 p.m. Eastern time. “We will update here as soon as we can confirm anything.” 

Recently, a change.org petition was created to abolish the TMZ news source. The petition explains, “Basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died in a horrific helicopter crash, and TMZ leaked the news before the authorities were even able to notify the family,” the petition reads. “That means that Vanessa Bryant found out about the death of her husband and child through TMZ, tweets, or comments. It’s time for Fox to cancel TMZ after what they did to Kobe Bryant’s family,” says TMZ’s actions were “beyond not ok” and hopes to “get TMZ taken down once and for all.” Over this past week, the petition has gathered over 100,000 signatures. 

As social media outlets are often an individual’s primary news source, they should have an increased obligation to ensure truthful, accurate, and ethical reporting practices. Unfortunately, as the race to be first instead of best persists, we can likely expect little change and future incidents of journalistic misconduct.