Citizen Journalism

For all the ways that new media and technology have converged to enrich our lives, none are more important than the new citizen documentation and journalism. While this may be hotly debated by some, I hope to illustrate through several key points why this is such an important facet of the modern media landscape.

Primarily, the importance of citizen journalism ensures not only that previously ignored issues will be delivered to the world, but with more and more individuals documenting the same issues and incidences from different angles a greater degree of truth can be surmised. More concisely, individuals documenting reality simultaneously offers new perspectives while undermining the seemingly “objective” viewpoint that the mass media corporations display. Citizen journalism provides a safe guard, and encourages a mindset that constantly questions the information given. Too often the recorded “actualities” in the news are mistaken for fact, regardless of context or the possibility of malfeasance.

 

The other important factor is found in Habermas’ description of the Public Sphere, notably defined by “a political space where publics come together to engage the state in mutual discourse over issues of political legitimacy and common concern.”  It is the “mutual” that is so important, because the new public sphere offers a more equal footing between the established electorate and the governed people than any previous societal model. This discourse is greatly indebted to the citizen journalism. It constantly reasserts its own necessity by consistently reigning in those in power who abuse said power.

As a result, the media corporations are now in a similar position to the populace: a constant shifting between the defensive and offensive positions. The truth that the media outlets can no longer ignore is that there will always be a person, group, of agency that can regulate them from the outside with contrary information should said organization decide to not abide the “moral” conduct established in the public sphere. It’s a bit like sweet revenge, and probably speaks to the lack of sympathy directed at organizations that so long carried themselves as vicious guard dogs with little regard for those they provided information to. The competition and watchful eye of a plugged in populace now ensures that they will in turn perform more rigorous self regulation as a means to maintain credibility.

Most importantly though, the new citizen journalism is better for everyone on an individual and group basis, so long as they abide by the codes of conduct set in place by their perspective cultures. If one carries themselves ethically, there is no real threat posed by the citizen journalism save for questions of personal privacy. Those who actively circumvent the law of land are at a greater risk for exposure, the anonymous documenting mob waiting to reveal their indiscretion to the judgment of the masses. However there are some complications that could arise. Does the possibility of constant surveillance by your peers instill paranoia? Does your ability to document events give you a sense of power, or does it pale in comparison to the control exhibited by the larger media corporations? Lemme know.