The rise of citizen journalism represents a profound transformation in media and communication, driven by technological advancements and shifting societal norms. While citizens have historically played a role in disseminating news and information, the emergence of social media and streaming services has democratized this process to an unprecedented degree. This concept, rooted in the belief that every citizen can engage in acts of journalism, has deep historical roots in the United States.
The contemporary citizen journalist movement gained momentum as early as the 1988 U.S. presidential election. This sparked a shift towards a more participatory approach to news reporting, with individuals leveraging social media platforms to share real-time updates, personal perspectives, and eyewitness accounts. Today, we witness the rise of citizen journalism across various social media platforms, where certain voices garner millions of views per post.
Fostered by the advent of social media and streaming services, citizen journalism has fundamentally altered how news and information are produced, distributed, and consumed. By empowering individuals to actively participate in the media ecosystem, citizen journalism has the potential to democratize the flow of information and challenge the dominance of traditional media outlets. Moreover, it serves as a mechanism for holding these outlets accountable to diverse perspectives and voices, enriching public discourse and fostering a more honest media landscape.