EOTO 2 - Citizen Journalism

 In today's digital age the way we consume news has undergone a dramatic transformation, one of the most significant developments in the media landscape is the use of citizen journalism. Citizen journalism refers to the act of ordinary people who are most professional journalists collecting, reporting, analyzing and disseminating news and information.Thanks to the widespread availability of smartphone social media platforms and internet connectivity, individuals now have the tools to report events as they happen, offering perspectives and insights that might otherwise go unnoticed by mainstream media. 

The idea of citizen journalism is not entirely new. Even before the internet era people would share the news and personal accounts within their communities especially in times of crisis or any social movements. However, with the advent of digital technology and social media, the scale and impact of citizen journalism have grown immensely. They gained a lot of popularity in the early 2000s when platforms and blogs, online forums, facebook, and later on twitter gave ordinary people a voice and public platform. Citizen journalism often emerges in situations where professional media outlets are either absent, restricted in such cases, or participants take it upon themselves to document themselves  through videos, photos, social media posts, or blogs. This grassroots form of journalism has become a powerful tool for raising awareness about issues ranging from political protests to natural disasters and human rights abuse, or unable to cover a story. One of the greatest strengths of citizen journalism is its ability to amplify voices that are often marginalized or ignored by mainstream media. In parts of the world, state- controlled or corporate owned news outlets may avoid  covering controversial or politically sensitive stories. In such situations citizen journalism can shed light on hidden issues, hold authorities accountable, and mobilize the public. Despite its many benefits, citizen journalism also faces challenges and criticism. One of the major concerns is the accuracy and credibility of information shared by the individuals, online professional journalists, citizens reports might lack fact checking resources. 

Journalistic ethics reading of editorial oversight. This can lead to spread of misinformation, rumors, or biased reporting. Another challenge is the safety and legal risks  faced by citizen journalism, especially in countries with strict media control or during volatile situations. Without the institutional backing of media organizations, individuals may be more vulnerable to harassment, arrest, or violence for reporting sensitive stories. Additionally the anonymity of the internet allows the rapid dissemination of false or harmful content. In some cases, citizen journalism has been used to spread propaganda or incite violence, as a result it's  crucial for audiences to critically evaluate the reliable sources and cross-check any information from multiple other outlets. Citizen journalism has become an integral part of the modern information ecosystem. It empowers ordinary people to share their stories, raise awareness of crucial issues, and challenge the narratives presented by traditional media. While it offers many advantages, scuba speed, accessibility, and grassroots perspectives, it also brings challenges regarding accuracy, ethics, and safety.  As technology continues to evolve, citizen journalism will likely play an even greater role in shaping how we understand and respond to the world around us.