The continual creation of new social media platforms is clearing the path for citizen journalism. Although this is exciting, it’s time for us to stop and think about what potential issues are associated with citizen journalism.
Although citizen journalists don’t have an education in journalism, they should still think and act as if they have the same responsibility. While this is okay in theory, there are 5 key differences between citizen journalism and professional journalism. Some of which have the power to undermined citizen journalists. Such differences exist in the use of; sources, fact and opinion and journalists attitude to truth. In relation to sources, professional journalists are dedicated to the truth and therefore acquire primary sources. Despite this, citizen journalists typically use their own experiences rather than obtaining information from sources. Evidently, the lines between fact and opinion are blurred. Moreover, citizen journalists are not confined by laws and ethics and therefore their attitude towards truth is relaxed. At the risk of sounding like Donald Trump, such a relaxed attitude results in FAKE NEWS
This was demonstrated during the citizen coverage of Hurricane Sandy which resulted in damaging rumors. All because citizen journalists didn’t check. Fake news is fueled by social media as anyone can foolishly spread rumors without accountability. Evidently, citizen journalism is associated with serious ethical concerns. When used properly citizen journalism can assist professional journalists. For instance, during Hurricane Sandy citizen journalists were the sole providers of information and when correct it benefited society.
Have you witnessed some good or bad citizen journalism? Leave a comment below.
Laura-Leith Pettigrew 