Student Essay: Entering a new era of technology, Jon Iwata’s integrity resonates

By Jennifer Wai, public relations major at Mount Royal University

The advice Jon Iwata gives to undergraduate students in public communications is learning how to adapt beyond academia while also respecting the power of theory.

For example, ChatGPT fulfilling some of the communications functions for practitioners may seem scary; however, instead of fearing it, learn how to make the most out of the new tools that are emerging. It will not be the tool that “takes” practitioners' jobs, it is individuals who know how to use technology such as ChatGPT. Especially as students who are building their skills at the moment, understanding what is in demand and what branches of knowledge to stretch oneself out to is relevant for sustaining oneself in the digital era. As Iwata touches on, public relations practitioners must combine what is practical and theory.

My definition of integrity is conducting oneself in a manner that one can proudly look back on, citing achievements without remorse because your character was represented in your decisions. The most memorable moment mentioning integrity is when Iwata answered that to build a brand reputation and become a model of integrity, being a person of good character is paramount.

As public relations students are taught, good communication cannot override bad decisions. The honoree’s remarks on new forms of literacy needing to be gained by everyone were insightful since it can be easy to push technologies such as AI as a computer science issue rather than seeing these tools integrating themselves into society.

A quote I found interesting was Iwata’s advocacy to “accelerate governance and oversight” of these new technologies. As seen with social media corporations, they are getting examined by those who are uneducated in the digital age so the consequences of the technology can get ignored.

Iwata’s words resonated in different sectors of communications and ethics. Some of his qualities that exemplify integrity were the consideration given to questions and the passion he showed when discussing public relations. Iwata said practitioners must find ways to prevent the erosion of public trust in times of advancing technology. Every word felt genuine.

This essay was a winning submission from the 2023 Page Center Awards’ Student Essay Contest. Visit the awards page for more information about past events and honorees.