Academic Journal

Journalists Without Names? Professional Constraints, Digital Norms, and Media Criticism in Contemporary Japan

Bibliographic Details
Title: Journalists Without Names? Professional Constraints, Digital Norms, and Media Criticism in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Castellvi, César
Contributors: castellvi, césar
Source: Japan Forum. :1-20
Publisher Information: Informa UK Limited, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Subject Terms: social networks, anonymity, Japan, covid-19, [SHS.SOCIO] Humanities and Social Sciences/Sociology, media, journalism, online harassment, [SHS.INFO] Humanities and Social Sciences/Library and information sciences
Description: This article examines the reasons for the emergence of dozens of anonymous reporter accounts on the social network X (formerly Twitter) in the early 2020s. It is based on a qualitative analysis of a database of 195 anonymous accounts and a series of interviews with journalists. While some choose anonymity because of their company’s internal policies, others seek to protect themselves from online harassment campaigns that have been exacerbated by the rise of anti-media discourse. The article also points out that this anonymization is taking place against the backdrop of a weakening traditional media facing growing economic and political pressures. It highlights the tension between journalists’ increased visibility on social networks and their need for protection from criticism and attack. The study thus contributes to a better understanding of the mutations of journalism in Japan in the digital age and the issues surrounding anonymity in the online public sphere.
Document Type: Article
Language: English
ISSN: 1469-932X
0955-5803
DOI: 10.1080/09555803.2025.2556855
Accession Number: edsair.doi.dedup.....3da4a9c2a80ad6afbe29a89d3782f5c6
Database: OpenAIRE
Description
ISSN:1469932X
09555803
DOI:10.1080/09555803.2025.2556855