Week 11: Internet and journalism

There is this saying that citizen journalism (INTERNET) has taken over the traditional media.

HOWEVER,

In a survey done by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) students which reveals the changing social media landscape, found out that about 80% of the participants still find traditional media more competent than citizen journalism when it comes to its credibility.

So, even though citizen journalism is getting more popular, traditional media still has a place for transmitting information.

It is undeniable that more local youths are engaging in citizen journalism on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter or Youtube.

Misunderstanding of citizen journalism

The public don’t care about where the source of news comes from. According to the study, almost ¾ of the participants would verify the accuracy of the content they read and almost ½ of the participants would verify the news is from a credible source.  

The public just read the news. One of the key findings from the study indicates that citizen journalism has a significant influence in shaping youths’ views towards politics (linking with the previous topic on politics!) as well as their purchasing habits. 

Social media has made easier for everyone to become a journalist. And citizen journalism is the growing trend! Here is two reasons why citizen journalism in Singapore so popular? (COMBININATION OF SINAPOREANS TWO PAST-TIME)

1. COMPLAIN! COMPLAIN AND COMPLAIN

What is Singaporeans good at?

YES! Citizen journalism is a place for us to vent all our unpleasant emotions or event!

2. PHOTO TIME! SELFIEEEEEEEEE!

What should I take photo of?

YES! Singaporeans take anything and everything. From simplest thing like eating… to complex things like accidents. When we meet accidents, (in the past) we call ambulance or save that person first, but now, we take photo first. 

Citizen journalist  VS journalist

Qualification/skills needed

Citizen journalist does not need any qualification or skills… some may argue that citizen journalist need skills like writing. However, as compared to journalists, they don’t need to have a certificate or undergo any course. 

Laws associated to writing

Internet stretches the limits of the law. It is a little more difficult to get punished by the law for citizen journalist than journalist. 

Freedom of speech

Citizen journalist has greater freedom of speech than journalist.  After all, journalists are a career. They have less control on what to publish and the content to be published.

Citizen journalism gives public a sense of power and control which can be a good or bad thing.  It depends on how we use it. So, make use of the internet for the betterment of the society.