Blogging, Vlogging, and Spontaneous Video… Oh My!

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Blogging, Vlogging, and Spontaneous Video... Oh My!

One of the most interesting aspects of the growth of citizen journalism is seeing how it changed as technological advancements were made, and in turn, how the surge of citizen journalism pushed technology to keep up with the number of users around the world. Though citizen journalism dates even further than wartime letters sent back home from soldiers to family describing their firsthand experiences during World War I; blogging, vlogging, and spontaneous video have dramatically shifted the way we receive and perceive news.

Credibility is an interesting debate I have read into when trying to learn more about our role as citizens or journalists to report. It would make sense for us to trust the most experienced professionals who have mastered journalistic skills, but there is a current outcry against the legitimacy of prominent media outlets. The “fake news” media platforms like CNN and Fox News have suffering reputations. Both platforms have become so narrowly tailored toward the left or the right, that they have alienated their audiences, and dropped the objectivity standard of which journalism stands on. Though we rely on these platforms, and others, for breaking news, there is an incredible sense of distrust from the public. 


An Article from the Washington Post shows even more statistics on the distrust of media outlets based on political affiliation, click here to read more!


So if the public has so little trust, where are we turning for “real news”? Of adults In the United States, 42% use social media as a source of news. This is a very large portion of our population who rely on social media to get breaking news, and it is honestly quite concerning. It seems to me that our society has taken on a backwards way of thinking. The general population trusts what Kim Kardashian or Elon Musk say about politics that journalists or political scientists who have spent years practicing proper research methods and knowledge of our government institutions. It is an extremely unprecedented time period our media is undergoing, and the shift is something I see as being irreversible. With the political climate and divide in our nation, what will it take for our population to become unified and value objectivity again? 


Even though it can be easier to watch a famous YouTuber’s video or read through a five word twitter post, there is a serious risk we face as an audience because of deception. Special effects, photoshop, and false advertising through sponsored ads are becoming more user-friendly every day, and can seriously impact our perception of information being shared with us. As consumers of information, we have to be aware of the potential deception we are exposed to, especially from influencers who promote products or political views. 


How do we really know if a few drops of a new serum is what cleared the face of Kim Kardashian?


Is a new workout trend really how Jenifer Anniston remains to have the body of many women's dreams? 


Is Kanye West truly a viable presidential candidate?


These are questions we should be asking ourselves before putting our full faith into the viewpoints of prominent figures. Just because we have instant access to post blogs, videos, or spontaneous videos of our own doesn’t mean every citizen journalist is credible. 


There is no time more important than now to get news with the mindset of objectivity. As consumers, we should read multiple sources of differing viewpoints before coming to our own conclusions. We should also capitalize on the limitless opportunities we have to share our own opinions. Creating a blog or vlog is free and can make an impact on those who read. The Marketplace of ideas is working in our society to foster debate and welcome all ideas at the table. Even though it is obvious that our national media news sources like Fox or CNN have become polarized in their viewpoint, putting our own viewpoints out there can help to bring objectivity into highly debated topics more often by presenting opinions that may not be brought up as often in mainstream media. 



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