cycagp445

[cycagp445]

Citizen Journalism and Power

Question 1: 

Cell phones can be used for a lot of different things such as texting/calling your friends and family, going on social media, checking the weather, and so on. Having a pocket-sized device handy at all times can be used to help and save yourself and others by sharing the injustice around us and by informing others of news like stories. 

Susan Dillon started the hashtag #ThisIsNotConsent and reported “We had hoped that as a society we had moved on from these archaic, victim-blaming rape myths,” (Dillon CNN,2018). Earlier that year, Dillon created “I Believe Her” Twitter page with the intent to provide an anonymous safe place for survivors (Mezzofiore, CNN, 2018). This movement helped a large amount of people to tell the truth and share their stories about sexual assault along with supporting other men and women. This example explains that having a cell phone gives you power to help or save others. Power can be shared with anyone on the internet depending on the target of the audience, in this case the power was targeted for survivors of sexual assault. 

Question 2 

Citizen journalism exerts power over mainstream media such as news channels every day. Most individuals in this generation view the news on social media such as Facebook or Instagram. An example of citizen journalism that I witness firsthand is an Instagram page called “6ixBuzzTV” which has 2.1Millon follows and identifies as #1 in Canada for news and entertainment. This page takes information from other sources and makes their own characterized posts. These posts can range from funny entertainment to serious offences in Canada. On March 27th, 2024, they made a post about a person who hit a pedestrian, took the victim into the car and drove away (6ixBuzzTV,2024). 

This example provides the definition of citizen journalism because this type of news story may be overlooked or not as important to the journalists for them to report in an article. I am one of many audience members of citizen journalism because I follow this page on social media, and I always look for updates on news through this page rather than watching the news channel. Citizen journalism provides quick and easy updates on our society without having to read multiple pages of information. 

Social media and cell phones can have a negative impact on our society because of too much power. However, in some cases, it can be used to save others or ourselves along with advocating for your beliefs and for people who don't have voices. 

References 

Gianluca Mezzofiore, 2018. Women Tweeting #ThisIsNotConsent after underwear used as Evidence in rape trial. CNN World https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/14/europe/ireland-underwear-rape-acquittal-scli-intl/index.html  

6ixBuzz TV, 2024. Instagram https://www.instagram.com/6ixbuzztv/  

Images: 

[cycagp445]

What is democratization

Remember her? Well, if you don’t, this is Charli D’Amelio who became TikTok famous in 2019. Let's talk about it. 

Let’s not forget her family TV show on Hulu called “The D’Amelio Show” which has 3 seasons as of 2023 (Caldwell, 2023). 

This is a prime example of the concept of democratization which means that the internet and social media are very accessible to everyone now (Oxford Languages, 2024). I think a lot of us can agree that we catch ourselves scrolling on TikTok or scrolling on Facebook for what feels like 20 minutes but it’s now dark outside and you didn’t make dinner. We as the audience determine what videos or what pictures we like and that is what gives the creator traction and that's the key to becoming internet famous. If you have ever seen a post that makes you so mad or so disgusted you want to comment on it trying to reach the creator to make them stop or you send it to your friend so you aren’t the only one who had to see it, well, that is also giving traction and making that creator one step closer to rising in fame. 

Now, what would happen if social media wasn’t a thing or it wasn’t so accessible, would Charli D’Amelio still be able to become famous? Considering her journey of competitive dancing I believe there could be a possibility that she would become famous for a dancer however, It’s very unlikely. In my opinion, Charli was able to gain her confidence online and with creating content with friends, if she didn’t blow up from that first lip syncing video or those dancing videos, I don’t believe she would've gained this confidence to become a famous competitive dancer therefore, In a way, she wouldn't becoming famous if social media was not a thing.  

Since democratization can work both ways, let’s look at someone who received negative consequences due to their social media access. 

In 2018 a woman proudly posted on twitter her new internship at NASA but later on, got let go. 

In the article written by Robyn Merrett shares that this woman posted “EVERYONE SHUT THE F... UP, I GOT ACCEPTED FOR NASA INTERNSHIP” and of course that post was seen by the NASA engineer, Homer Hickam where he replies with “Language” (Merrett, 2018). The woman then replies to Hickam saying “Suck my d... and b.... I'm working at NASA” then he reveals who he is. (Merrett, 2018).  

While the internet gives you the freedom to post almost anything, it doesn’t mean that what you say won't have repercussions such as getting fired, however, democratization can give you the desired fame you want on TikTok or Instagram as long as the audience clicks the right button. 

References 

Carolina Muniz, 2023. Marketing 4 ecommerce, How Charli D’Amelio became the second most popular tiktoker in the world. https://marketing4ecommerce.net/en/how-charli-damelio-became-the-second-most-popular-tiktoker-in-the-world/  

Google, 2024. Oxford Languages, Democratization. https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=4c908fbc6c8bfb37&rlz=1C1SQJL_enCA921CA921&sxsrf=ACQVn09K7EgsPxrunJJxo_T9JXboOOa7yg:1709943862635&q=democratization&si=AKbGX_qbffDhNJNmNuoQO9DPv_17C1K1XhS0E42xOOmOMD5kdtCff_uel2bzCuTmhOiMWyHBmymGqLVtOS1tgaytRAgGxJvqthCWFqvaULJUTEZ8hhxJBZA%3D&expnd=1&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjbp5Kk9eWEAxW6jYkEHZ-ZDrAQ2v4IegQIHxAT&biw=1366&bih=599&dpr=1  

Sophie Caldwell, 2023. TODAY, Charli D’Amelio reflects on fame and the future: ‘Sometimes I feel like I’m still 15 years old’. https://www.today.com/popculture/charli-damelio-tiktok-profile-future-rcna91650  

Robyn Merrett, 2018. People, Woman Loses Prized NASA Internship over Vulgar Tweet- but she might get a better position. https://people.com/human-interest/woman-loses-nasa-internship-over-tweet/  

TikTok, 2024. Charli D’Amelio. https://www.tiktok.com/en/  

Images: 

[cycagp445]

Good question! I have no clue yet since this class just started but it is an issues in social media class and I believe I have to post class content on this account. We were told to make an account on a platform we’ve never used before so I chose Tumblr! Hope that makes sense

Hey everyone!

I just joined tumblr for a course I am taking in college and Im just getting used to the features on here so if you see this dont be shy to say hi!

I am in my early 20's studying Child and Youth Care and this account is purely for my Issues in Social Media class so im not sure what ill be posting on here so if you want to stick around and follow me on my journey give me a follow and ill follow you back!

[cycagp445]

Hey everyone!

I just joined tumblr for a course I am taking in college and Im just getting used to the features on here so if you see this dont be shy to say hi!

I am in my early 20's studying Child and Youth Care and this account is purely for my Issues in Social Media class so im not sure what ill be posting on here so if you want to stick around and follow me on my journey give me a follow and ill follow you back!