Crowdsourced journalism

Definition

Crowdsourced journalism is a practice where information, news, and stories are gathered from the public, often through social media and online platforms. This approach leverages the collective efforts of individuals to report events, share eyewitness accounts, and provide insights that traditional journalists may not have access to. It plays a significant role in the realm of new media and the internet by democratizing the process of news gathering and enabling diverse voices to contribute to the media landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Crowdsourced journalism gained popularity during major events like natural disasters or protests, where eyewitness accounts can provide immediate information to traditional media outlets.
2. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have become essential tools for crowdsourced journalism, allowing individuals to share breaking news as it happens.
3. This form of journalism raises questions about credibility and accuracy since the information is often unverified and comes from various sources.
4. News organizations increasingly use crowdsourced content to enhance their reporting by incorporating perspectives from ordinary citizens and communities.
5. Crowdsourced journalism can lead to greater community engagement, as it empowers individuals to take part in the storytelling process and influence media narratives.

Review Questions

• How does crowdsourced journalism differ from traditional journalism in terms of information gathering?
  • Crowdsourced journalism differs from traditional journalism primarily in its reliance on the public for information rather than trained journalists. In crowdsourced journalism, individuals contribute their firsthand experiences and observations directly through social media or online platforms. This allows for a more diverse range of perspectives and quicker dissemination of information, particularly during breaking news events. Traditional journalism usually involves a more structured approach with editorial oversight and fact-checking processes.
• What are some challenges associated with crowdsourced journalism that may affect its credibility?
  • One significant challenge of crowdsourced journalism is the issue of credibility. Since information comes from various unverified sources, it can be difficult to ascertain its accuracy. Misinformation can spread rapidly, leading to confusion during critical events. Additionally, without professional training, contributors may lack the skills necessary for thorough reporting or context. News organizations using crowdsourced content must implement strategies to verify information before publication to maintain journalistic integrity.
• Evaluate the impact of crowdsourced journalism on the traditional media landscape and discuss potential future trends.
  • Crowdsourced journalism has significantly impacted the traditional media landscape by challenging established norms of news gathering and storytelling. As more individuals participate in reporting events, traditional media outlets are compelled to adapt by integrating user-generated content into their coverage. This shift has led to increased competition but also greater collaboration between professional journalists and citizen reporters. Looking ahead, we may see an expansion in the use of technology for verification processes, alongside a growing emphasis on media literacy among audiences to discern credible information amidst the noise.

Related terms

Citizen Journalism: The practice of ordinary individuals reporting news and events, often through blogs or social media, without formal training as journalists.

User-generated Content: Content created by users of online platforms, including text, images, and videos, that can be shared publicly and contribute to media narratives.

Social Media Reporting: The use of social media platforms to gather information, share updates, and engage with audiences in real-time during news events.