On a sweltering summer day in 2013, a single tweet from Tahrir Square sparked a global conversation. Armed with nothing but smartphones, Egyptian protesters captured the raw energy of a movement that traditional media initially overlooked. Over on TikTok, Carlos Eduardo Espina provides current information from his hometown in Texas—from breaking news to information about immigration laws alongside President Biden—to his more than 10 million Spanish-speaking followers. Now that information is more accessible than ever, citizen journalism has emerged as a formidable force in the media landscape. With smartphones and social media at their fingertips, ordinary people are documenting events as they unfold, offering a raw and immediate perspective that professional news outlets might miss or delay. This shift has brought about a profound transformation in how news is reported and consumed.

 

Citizen journalism embodies a dual nature. On one hand, it democratizes news dissemination, allowing for greater transparency and a wider array of voices, especially in places where mainstream media is absent or suppressed. On the other, the surge of unvetted, user-generated content raises serious concerns about accuracy, misinformation, and the erosion of journalistic standards.

 

The transformation of news reporting began long before the advent of the internet, but it was the digital age that truly revolutionized the landscape. Historically, the dissemination of news was tightly controlled by professional journalists and established media institutions. These gatekeepers held the power to shape public perception, determining which stories were told and how they were framed.

 

 

The spirit of citizen journalism, though, can be traced as far back as the American Revolution, when pamphleteers like Thomas Paine rallied the colonists toward independence with his work “Common Sense.” Similarly, in the early 20^th century, Upton Sinclair’s investigative journalism in The Jungle exposed the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry, leading to public outrage and legislative reform; and his lesser known and self-published The Brass Check may have played a role in the eventual creation of a code of ethics… for journalists.

 

But the introduction of social media platforms and the proliferation of smartphones marked a significant turning point. Suddenly, anyone with a mobile device and an internet connection could capture and share news in real time. This capability has empowered ordinary citizens to become eyewitness reporters, offering immediate and often unfiltered accounts of events as they happen.

 

This power—and impact—of citizen journalism cannot be overstated. During the Arab Spring, for instance, activists used social media to document protests and governmental crackdowns, drawing international attention to their cause. In countries like Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, where state-controlled media often suppressed dissenting voices, platforms like Twitter and Facebook became crucial tools for organizing demonstrations and sharing real-time updates with the world. The images and videos posted by ordinary citizens not only galvanized local support but also captured the global community’s attention, contributing to a wave of revolutionary movements across the region.

 

 

In the United States, the Black Lives Matter movement has been amplified by countless videos and posts from individuals on the ground, showcasing police brutality and sparking nationwide and global demonstrations. The protests following the 2014 shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, were extensively documented by local residents using their smartphones. These firsthand accounts provided an unfiltered view of the events, countering official narratives and bringing the issue of racial injustice and police violence to the forefront of national discourse. The viral spread of videos depicting incidents like the murder of George Floyd in 2020 further underscores the power of citizen journalism in mobilizing public opinion and driving calls for systemic change.

 

This surge of citizen journalism has led to a more democratic dissemination of news, in that it breaks down the barriers that once confined media production to a select few. This shift has empowered individuals across the globe to share their unique perspectives and experiences, contributing to a richer, more diverse media landscape. In fact, the rise of citizen journalism has even led to greater diversity in news coverage. Traditional media often operates within specific editorial frameworks and commercial constraints, which can result in a narrow focus on certain topics or viewpoints. Citizen journalists, on the other hand, are driven by personal experiences and passions, offering a broader array of stories that might otherwise go untold. This democratization of news production has enriched public discourse, providing a platform for underrepresented communities, and fostering a more inclusive media environment.

 

Indeed, in regions where mainstream media is restricted or censored, citizen journalists have become vital conduits of information. During the 2009 Iranian elections, widespread protests erupted after claims of election fraud. State-controlled media tried to suppress coverage of the unrest, but citizen journalists took to social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube to share videos, photos, and firsthand accounts. These efforts brought global attention to the situation in Iran, demonstrating how citizen journalism can bypass government censorship and inform the international community.

 

 

This ability to mobilize was also evident during the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011. Mainstream media initially paid little attention to the protests, but citizen journalists documented the events extensively, sharing real-time updates and videos on social media. This grassroots reporting helped sustain the movement’s momentum and brought issues of economic inequality and corporate influence into the national conversation.

 

And beyond political activism, the reach of citizen journalism extends to times of crisis and disaster. When Hurricane Harvey struck Houston in 2017, residents used social media to share real-time updates, coordinate rescue efforts, and provide crucial information about safe havens and emergency services. These firsthand accounts were invaluable for both local communities and emergency responders.

 

But this democratization is not without its challenges. The very qualities that make it so powerful—immediacy, accessibility, and the absence of gatekeepers—also render it vulnerable to significant issues, chief among them being misinformation and ethical concerns. The sheer volume of content generated by citizen journalists can be overwhelming, making it difficult for audiences to discern credible sources from unreliable ones. And the absence of editorial oversight means that misinformation and biased reporting can proliferate, complicating the quest for truth.

 

Unlike traditional media outlets, which typically adhere to established editorial standards and fact-checking procedures, citizen journalists often lack the resources or training to verify the information they share. This can lead to the rapid spread of false or misleading content, which can have serious consequences. We need only look to the 2016 U.S. presidential election, where the flood of fake news stories that circulated on social media—a lot of which was created and propagated by ordinary individuals—have been widely documented.

 

 

The recent protests in the UK led by right-wing extremists stemmed from the calculated dissemination of false information that were presented as news and, therefore, as true. Right-wing leaders disseminated the false claim that the perpetrator of a knife attack that killed several children was a Muslim immigrant; and despite the UK police refuting this, it incited a wave of anti-immigration protests that turned violent at times. 

 

The problem is further compounded by the echo chamber effect, where social media algorithms prioritize content that aligns with users' existing beliefs and preferences. This can create insular communities where misinformation is not only prevalent but also rarely challenged. The spread of conspiracy theories, from those surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic to those about Jewish space lasers, exemplifies how misinformation can thrive in these environments, leading to real-world harm as people act on false information.

 

Plus, traditional journalists adhere to codes of ethics that emphasize accuracy, fairness, and accountability. Citizen journalists, though, may not be aware of these standards or may simply choose to ignore them. This drive to break news quickly can lead to sensationalism or the invasion of privacy, as seen in the case of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. In the immediate aftermath, several innocent individuals were wrongly identified as suspects by amateur sleuths on social media, causing significant distress and damage to their reputations.

 

 

These ethical dilemmas extend to the monetization of citizen journalism as well. As platforms like YouTube and Instagram enable users to profit from their content, the line between genuine reporting and content creation for financial gain becomes blurred. This commercialization can incentivize sensationalism over substance, further complicating the landscape of trustworthy journalism. Recently, popular Twitch streamer Sketch was outed as a former gay adult content creator by the YouTube channel “Pocketbook.” In the video, the man behind Pocketbook claims to have gone to journalism school and decided that outing Sketch met the standards of journalism. However, the internet at large generally agreed that Sketch’s past is, in fact, not a big deal and Pocketbook acted in very poor taste.

 

Despite these challenges, the contributions of citizen journalists remain invaluable. They have the potential to shine a light on underreported issues and hold power to account in ways that traditional media sometimes cannot. Addressing the dark side of citizen journalism, though, requires a concerted effort from both platforms and audiences. Social media companies must implement robust fact-checking mechanisms and promote media literacy to help users critically evaluate the information they encounter. Educating citizen journalists about ethical standards and the importance of accuracy can also help mitigate some of these concerns. Because as citizen journalism flourished, its impact on traditional media has been both profound and multifaceted, and traditional news organizations have had to adapt swiftly to a landscape where the monopoly on news dissemination no longer rests solely in their hands.

 

One of the most significant impacts has been the acceleration of the news cycle. With citizen journalists often providing real-time updates on unfolding events, traditional media outlets have faced pressure to keep pace. This has led to a shift towards 24/7 news coverage, with many news organizations increasing their digital presence and leveraging social media to stay relevant. While this constant flow of information can enhance news accessibility, it also poses challenges in maintaining accuracy and depth in reporting.

 

To compete with the immediacy of citizen journalism, many traditional news outlets have embraced user-generated content. Platforms like #CNNiRerport (initially a full-fledged page within CNN’s website) allows audience members to submit their own stories, photos, and videos, which are then vetted and, if credible, integrated into mainstream reporting. This collaboration between professional journalists and citizen reporters enriches news coverage, providing diverse perspectives and often uncovering stories that might have been overlooked. In other words, rather than merely reporting the news, many outlets now see themselves as curators and interpreters of the vast amount of information available. By providing context, analysis, and expert opinions, traditional media can add significant value to the raw data and firsthand accounts shared by citizen journalists.

 

 

This approach helps audiences make sense of complex issues and navigate the flood of information they encounter daily. Because, after all, the truth remains that traditional media endures as an essential pillar of the news ecosystem and democracy as a whole. Its role in maintaining journalistic standards, verifying information, and providing comprehensive coverage ensures that the public has access to reliable and well-rounded news. The interplay between citizen journalism and traditional media creates a dynamic and evolving landscape where both can complement each other’s strengths.

 

The economic landscape of traditional media has also been significantly affected. The rise of digital platforms and the proliferation of free content have disrupted traditional revenue models like print subscriptions and advertising. To adapt, many news organizations have shifted towards digital subscriptions, paywalls, and membership models, emphasizing the value of their high-quality, trustworthy journalism. This transition underscores the critical role of professional journalism in providing in-depth analysis, investigative reporting, and expert commentary—elements that are essential for a well-informed public.

 

Thankfully, while the challenges posed by misinformation and ethical concerns are significant, they are not insurmountable. As citizen journalism continues to evolve, so too must our approach to ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of the information we consume. This evolution will shape the future of news and public trust in profound ways.

 

Traditional media outlets have already begun to adapt to this new reality, finding ways to coexist with and even embrace citizen journalism. Beyond actively sourcing content from citizen journalists, traditional media is integrating these firsthand accounts into their reporting. During natural disasters or breaking news events, mainstream media now often relies on videos and photos from people on the ground, providing immediate and diverse perspectives that would otherwise be inaccessible. By verifying and contextualizing this content, traditional media can enhance their coverage while maintaining journalistic standards.

 

 

In addition to sourcing content, some news organizations are investing in tools and technologies to better verify and fact-check user-generated content. Collaborations between tech companies and newsrooms are leading to innovative solutions, such as automated fact-checking algorithms and blockchain-based verification systems. Blockchain technology can leverage some unique properties—such as decentralization, instant verification, and resistance to data modification—to authenticate content and ensure its integrity. These advancements are crucial in combating the spread of misinformation and ensuring that only accurate, reliable information reaches the public.

 

Of course, the battle against misinformation is, and probably forever will be, ongoing. The speed at which false information can spread online often outpaces the ability of fact-checkers to debunk it (see the knife attack protests in the UK). This is why it’s important to take proactive measures and continuous innovation in fact-checking methodologies. Tools such as reverse image search, deepfake detection software, and AI-powered content analysis can become invaluable in the fight to uphold authenticity.

 

Journalists themselves must also adapt to this changing landscape. Professional journalists are increasingly using social media to engage with their audience, providing real-time updates and clarifications to counteract false narratives. By being transparent about their sources and reporting processes, they can build trust with their readers and reinforce the credibility of their work.

 

 

Though ultimately, the pursuit of truth in journalism is a collective effort. It involves not only the diligence of professional journalists and the responsibility of citizen reporters, but also the critical engagement of the public. In an era where information is abundant but not always accurate, fostering a culture of verification and authenticity is paramount.

 

Citizen journalism has undeniably reshaped the media landscape, bringing both remarkable opportunities and significant challenges. From the streets of Tehran to the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, ordinary people have stepped into the role of storytellers, capturing moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. This democratization of news has opened doors to a myriad of voices, enriching our understanding of the world around us.

 

Yet, with this power comes the responsibility to navigate the complexities of misinformation and uphold ethical standards. The intersection of citizen journalism and traditional media will continue to evolve, thus creating a dynamic interplay that enriches public discourse while demanding vigilant fact-checking and authenticity. As traditional media adapts and technology advances, the focus on media literacy becomes ever more crucial. Educating the public on how to critically engage with news helps build a more informed and discerning society. It’s a collective effort—one that involves journalists, citizen reporters, tech companies, and consumers alike.

 

The future of news hinges on this balance.

 

Author Bio:

Angelo Franco is Highbrow Magazine’s chief features writer.

 

For Highbrow Magazine

 

Photo Credits: Depositphotos.com; Nick Gulotta (Flickr, Creative Commons)