What social responsibilities should media bear when reporting on HIV/AIDS?

Certainly. Here is the English translation retaining the original markdown structure:

Ok, that’s an excellent and critically important question. When reporting on AIDS, the media actually holds a "double-edged sword." Used properly, it can save lives and eliminate prejudice. Used poorly, it can inflict harm greater than the virus itself.

As an ordinary person concerned about this topic, I believe the media's social responsibilities can be summarized into the following aspects:

## First and foremost: Be Scientific and Accurate!

This should be the baseline for all reporting. Regarding AIDS, there are already far too many rumors and misconceptions in society. The media's primary responsibility is to convey correct information and debunk these rumors.

Clarify transmission routes: Clearly and repeatedly inform the public that AIDS has only three transmission routes—sexual transmission, blood transmission, and mother-to-child transmission. Activities like shaking hands, hugging, eating together, sharing toilets, or mosquito bites absolutely cannot transmit the virus. This point cannot be overemphasized.
Distinguish concepts: HIV virus (the virus that causes AIDS) ≠ AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Being infected with HIV does not mean immediately developing AIDS itself. It's a prolonged process, and with active treatment today, many people living with HIV can live their entire lives without progressing to AIDS, maintaining a quality of life similar to the general population. The media needs to clearly communicate this scientific fact, as it can significantly reduce public panic.
Update knowledge: Medicine is advancing. For example, the widely recognized "U=U" concept means Undetectable = Untransmittable. This means that when people living with HIV are on effective treatment and maintain a consistently undetectable viral load, their risk of transmitting HIV to a sexual partner is zero. This is a revolutionary understanding. The media has a responsibility to vigorously popularize this knowledge, as it plays a tremendous positive role in eliminating discrimination and encouraging infected individuals to seek treatment.

## Secondly, Be a "Science Educator," Not an "Amplifier of Fear"

Many media outlets, in pursuit of clicks and attention, favor sensationalist headlines like "Century’s Incurable Disease" or "Death Sentence." This practice is highly irresponsible.

Avoid stigmatizing language: Do not use labels like "AIDS patients." More professional terms are "people living with HIV" or "people infected with the AIDS virus." The former binds the person to the disease, as if the disease defines their entire existence; the latter states that they are people who happen to have the virus. This detail reflects respect.
Reject emphasizing tragedy and death: Reporting should not focus solely on isolated, tragic cases. This reinforces the stereotype that "AIDS equals a death sentence." We should also highlight the thousands of people living with HIV who are working, studying, forming relationships, and living normally.
Report with normality: The best approach is to report on AIDS as a "chronic condition," like hypertension or diabetes. It requires long-term medication management, but it is not terrifying and certainly should not be grounds for discriminating against someone.

## Use Warm Language to Eliminate Discrimination and Prejudice

The media's pen and camera lens carry warmth. This warmth is especially crucial when reporting on AIDS.

Protect privacy: Unless the individual voluntarily discloses, personal information about people living with HIV—including names, addresses, and workplaces—must never be revealed. This is fundamental journalism ethics. Blurring faces isn't done because they are shameful, but to protect them from harm caused by ignorant prejudice.
Tell empowering stories: Seek out and share the stories of people living with HIV who are receiving treatment, living optimistically, and working productively. Tell their stories of coexisting with the virus, breaking down prejudice, and contributing to society. These narratives empower others living with HIV and educate the public, showing the real, diverse nature of this group.
Avoid associating AIDS with specific groups: Prevent the reinforcement of labels like "men who have sex with men," "sex workers," or "drug users" in reporting. The virus does not discriminate. Anyone engaging in unsafe sexual behavior or having unsafe blood contact risks infection – this is about behavior, not identity. Equating the disease with a particular group is profoundly irresponsible and only fuels social division and discrimination.

## Oversight and Advocacy: Driving Social Progress

Beyond reporting, the media should also act as a "watchdog" and an "advocate."

Oversee policy implementation: The state has many good policies for AIDS prevention and protection of the rights of people living with HIV, such as the "Four Frees and One Care" policy. How well are these being implemented locally? Do people living with HIV still face discrimination in healthcare, employment, or education? The media should investigate and oversee this.
Advocate for public participation: Through reporting, encourage more people to learn about HIV/AIDS and participate in public health initiatives. Advocate for healthy lifestyles, including using condoms and getting tested regularly. Make "AIDS prevention" a shared societal responsibility, not just the duty of the government or specific organizations.

In conclusion, when reporting on AIDS, the media is not merely an information conduit but also a shaper of social attitudes. A single article, headline, or image can profoundly influence how countless people view AIDS and those living with HIV.

Therefore, the media's responsibility is to use science to dispel ignorance, rationality to drive out fear, empathy to overcome discrimination, and hope to illuminate the path forward. This commitment is not only upholding journalistic professionalism but also demonstrating respect and care for every human life.