Smart: Journal of Media Communication and Social Dynamics (SMedia) adheres to rigorous ethical standards throughout the publication process to ensure the integrity, transparency, and scholarly value of all contributions. Authors, editors, and reviewers share responsibility for upholding these principles, which encompass the following key areas:

Originality and Prior Publication

All submissions must represent original work that has neither been published elsewhere nor is under consideration by another journal. Authors are required to confirm that their manuscript is entirely their own creation and that no part of the content has appeared in any other forum. Any use of previously published material text, figures, tables, or data must be clearly identified, properly cited, and accompanied by formal permission from the copyright holder when required.

Authorship and Author Responsibilities

Each individual listed as an author must have made a significant intellectual contribution to the research and must consent to be identified as an author. Authors bear responsibility for the accuracy of their data, analyses, and interpretations. They must also:

• Obtain formal permission to reproduce any third-party materials (e.g., photographs, datasets).
• Ensure that all co-authors approve the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could bias the research or its interpretation.

Ethical Approval and Consent

Research involving human participants, animals, or sensitive data must receive prior approval from an appropriate institutional ethics committee or review board, in accordance with the legal requirements of the study’s country. Manuscripts should include a statement confirming ethical approval and describing any informed consent procedures used to protect participant rights and confidentiality.

Peer-Review Process

SMedia employs a double-blind peer-review process. Submissions deemed to fit the journal’s focus and scope are evaluated by at least two independent reviewers. Reviewers are selected based on their subject-matter expertise and are expected to:

• Maintain confidentiality regarding the review.
• Declare any conflicts of interest before accepting an assignment.
• Provide unbiased, constructive feedback aimed at strengthening the manuscript.
• Alert the editor to any ethical concerns, such as suspected plagiarism or data fabrication.

Editors reserve the right to desk-reject manuscripts that fail to meet minimum quality standards, including poor study design or inadequate research argumentation, without subjecting them to external peer review.

Plagiarism and Misconduct

SMedia enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on plagiarism, data fabrication, and image manipulation. Manuscripts are screened for originality prior to review. Any form of academic misconduct, including redundant publication, salami slicing, or failure to disclose funding sources, may lead to rejection or retraction. Authors found to have violated ethical guidelines may be barred from future submissions.

Correction and Retraction

If errors or ethical issues are discovered post-publication, SMedia will publish corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions as appropriate. The journal follows international best practices (e.g., COPE guidelines) to ensure transparency in its corrections and retractions process.

By adhering to these publication ethics policies, the Smart: Journal of Media Communication and Social Dynamics upholds its commitment to scholarly excellence, transparency, and the responsible dissemination of knowledge.

Author Guidelines, Smart: Journal of Media Communication and Social Dynamics.