"How citizen journalism use social media to increase coverage of world events

Sample Solution

    Citizen journalism has grown exponentially in the past decade as a result of advances in technology and the proliferation of social media, allowing for more people to be exposed to world events than ever before. Citizen journalists are individuals who produce or report news items, typically outside the traditional mainstream media structure. Social media has played

an instrumental role in expanding citizen journalism by providing user-friendly platforms where individuals can share their perspectives on global issues and give voice to underreported stories. One example is Twitter’s hashtag feature, which enables users to track and engage with conversations about certain topics all over the world. When protesters took to the streets of Cairo during the Arab Spring uprising of 2011, millions used Twitter’s hashtags such as #Egypt and #Jan25th to document the event from all angles—from firsthand accounts by those onsite participating in demonstrations or clashes with security forces, to photos taken that were uploaded using mobile devices. This type of coverage provided an opportunity for citizens not only in Egypt but around the world to learn what was happening as it happened without relying on traditional news outlets that often take time to cover major events like these. Social networks like Facebook have also become popular platforms among citizens wanting to express their views on current affairs through real-time updates, photos and videos posted live or soon after they happen instead of waiting for mainstream news organizations which may be slow or unable altogether due lack of access (as was seen during recent protests in Sudan). In some instances, citizen journalists have even been able break stories ahead of established media outlets thanks largely due access provided by social networking sites that allow for instantaneous global outreach; when former president Hosni Mubarak resigned from office during Arab Spring unrest one prominent Egyptian blogger was credited with being first outlet reporting his resignation despite efforts by authorities at home and abroad trying restrict information coming out about this historic event. Moreover, digital maps powered by GPS technology offer valuable tools for geolocating visual documentation such images taken by protests participants at ground level enabling viewers located far away from troubled areas get realistic sense how things look close up street level perspective they wouldn't get if they relied solely upon major networks stuck broadcasting studios thousands miles away covering story remotely satellite footage alone cannot provide same degree detail accuracy offered via geotagged photos showing exact location site where correspondent standing right there scene itself interpreting what seeing eye beholding It's also worth noting eyewitness reports submitted social networking sites have helped debunk false rumors spread baseless speculation sprouts up constantly wake moments crisis situations developing countries particularly vulnerable regime propaganda misinformation planted purpose manipulating public opinion silencing dissenters hoping keep lid tight populace unaware true severity situation downplayed fear provoking panic widespread chaos could cause regime collapse overthrow government power Conversely facts gathered shared openly facilitate better understanding circumstances play pivotal role helping people make informed decisions battles going waged drawing attention international community aid needed address human rights abuses violations international law taking place many parts globe Accessible anytime anywhere web giving everyone chance participate actively discuss critically analyze whether local regional national global level turning “armchair activists” into full fledged advocates action mobilizing collective support positively shape future generations come