Benefits and Challenges Associated with Visuals Available Today Research Paper

Benefits and Challenges Associated with Visuals Available Today - Research Paper Example Therefore, people should strictly acknowledge the need to respect and abide by the code of ethics. In respect of the copyright laws, the general public should keep in mind to ask permission from the owner of the photos before using these online available photos or taking photos of another person (Lynch, 2008, p. 155). Doing so will protect journalists from preventable court cases. On the other hand, part of the duty and responsibility of the visual journalists is to document what is going on around our surroundings. Through the use of photos, visual journalists are able to express what they mean in their writings. As part of the National Press Photographers Association (2012) Code of Ethics, visual journalists are required to present to the public an accurate and non-bias information with regards to the subject matter they are discussing. It means that it is unethical on the part of the visual journalists to practice racism or talking negatively on something or about a person especially when there is no valid and concrete evidence to back up their statements. To avoid being charged of libel cases (Cates, 2004, p. 130), visual journalists should make it a habit to avoid making false claims that can harm a society or another person. There are many ways that will prevent visual journalists from legal accusations. In line with this, visual journalists should make it a standard operating procedure to treat a society, a community, or a person with respect and dignity (NPPA, 2012).