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Question 2-

In today's world, many people feel distrust towards traditional media, and this distrust comes from various reasons. One reason is the perceived bias and influence from corporate interests, political affiliations, or advertisers. This leads to skepticism about the objectivity of news organizations, as many believe they provide information shaped by these influences rather than impartial content. Additionally, media outlets have been criticized for sensationalism and clickbait, prioritizing entertainment over serious issues for profit, which further reduces trust. The rise of "fake news" and misinformation through social media also contributes to this distrust, making people think that traditional media might be as unreliable as unverified information from social networks. Furthermore, with increasing political polarization, many find it hard to trust the fact-checking done by mainstream media, as different political sides accuse the media of bias, creating a cycle of distrust.

Another important concept is the Hawthorne Effect, which means people change their behavior when they know they are being observed. In media, this suggests that traditional outlets might alter their coverage due to audience expectations and skepticism. This can result in sensationalized stories or biased content because the media feels pressured to attract viewership. This leads to a situation where audience mistrust grows, as the media appears to act in self-interest, reinforcing the perception of bias.

Citizen journalism is often seen as a solution to the issues present in traditional media. It involves news reporting by non-professionals, usually through personal experiences or social media. Citizen journalists are often viewed as being more authentic and less influenced by corporate interests, as they are not bound by the same pressures as traditional media outlets. People tend to trust citizen journalism because it seems more grassroots and accountable, often sharing stories that mainstream media may ignore.

Recent examples from the past five years illustrate the relationship between traditional media and citizen journalism and how trust issues play out. During the 2019 Hong Kong protests, traditional media struggled to cover the situation adequately due to censorship and bias from the government. In contrast, citizen journalists provided real-time updates through social media, gaining trust from the public as they shared unfiltered coverage of events that mainstream media failed to capture accurately.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a rapid spread of misinformation, with traditional media sometimes sensationalizing events and not fully establishing all facts. In contrast, independent journalists often provided a clearer view, sharing nuanced perspectives that called out biases inherent in mainstream reporting. These independent voices played a crucial role in conveying the truth without corporate influence or sensationalism.

The Black Lives Matter protests that arose in 2020 also highlighted the differences between traditional and citizen journalism. Traditional media was criticized for focusing too much on violence instead of the systemic issues being protested. Meanwhile, citizen journalists captured more diverse narratives from the protests, including peaceful demonstrations and the emotional experiences of those involved, thus offering a different story than what traditional media provided.

An earlier case, although just outside the five-year period, involved the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Initial media coverage was cautious, avoiding a direct confrontation with the Saudi government. However, independent journalists and investigative organizations later filled in the story gaps, using platforms like Twitter to expose details that mainstream media initially hesitated to share.

In summary, distrust towards traditional media is driven by perceived bias, sensationalism, and corporate influence. The Hawthorne Effect illustrates how this distrust can lead media to alter its reporting, and in turn, citizen journalism has gained prominence as a more authentic alternative. The recent examples demonstrate how citizen journalism offers critical perspectives in situations where traditional media may falter, although it also presents challenges regarding verification and bias.

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Question 2 - In this era of 'fake news' and 'do your own research', why do people NOT trust traditional media? make sure to explain the Hawthorn EffectWhat is the connection to citizen journalism? Any examples should be from the last 5 years.

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Citizen journalism challenges traditional media in significant ways. While conventional media like TV, newspapers, and radio have historically controlled the flow of information, often influenced by corporate and political interests, citizen journalism allows ordinary people to report and share news from their own perspectives. This shift encourages diverse and decentralized information sharing, breaking the monopolies held by established media.

Citizen journalists can capture events as they happen, providing unfiltered insights and covering stories that mainstream media might ignore. Platforms such as social media, blogs, and independent websites enable these journalists to bypass traditional editorial controls and connect directly with global audiences. This development democratizes news, giving a voice to underrepresented and marginalized communities.

The Hawthorne Effect describes how people change their behavior when they know they are being observed. In citizen journalism, this can influence the actions of those being filmed or interviewed. For example, during protests, individuals might act differently when they are aware that they are being recorded, potentially affecting the authenticity of the report. This awareness can alter the portrayal of events and how audiences perceive the situation.

There have been multiple instances in recent years where citizen journalism has successfully challenged traditional media and brought attention to stories that mainstream outlets have overlooked:

1. The Beirut Port Explosion (2020) was a devastating event where citizen journalists provided real-time footage and first-hand accounts of the aftermath. Their efforts increased global awareness and prompted traditional media to reference their documentation, highlighting the human impact of the disaster.

2. During the Hong Kong Protests (2019-2020), traditional media faced limitations due to the influence of the Chinese government. In contrast, citizen journalists captured unfiltered accounts of the confrontations and highlighted human rights abuses, ensuring that the events remained in international attention and in the news.

3. The death of George Floyd in 2020 and the resulting global protests were heavily influenced by citizen journalism. Darnella Frazier captured footage of Floyd's death on her mobile device, which went viral and became a turning point for the Black Lives Matter movement. This video significantly shaped public understanding of police brutality and systemic racism and influenced further media coverage.

Some examples include:

- Citizen journalists reporting on the origins of COVID-19 in Wuhan (2019-2020) shared vital information about the outbreak before traditional media recognized the crisis, using platforms like Weibo and Twitter despite facing safety risks.

- During the Rohingya Crisis (2017-2020), Rohingya community members documented violence and displacement, sharing their stories on social media to raise international awareness amidst efforts to suppress independent journalism.

In summary, citizen journalism has become a powerful force in challenging established media narratives, particularly when mainstream sources fail to provide timely or thorough reports. These independent voices fill vital gaps and their real-time reporting can inspire public engagement and political action.

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Question - How does citizen journalism challenge traditional media's influence? make sure to explain the Hawthorn Effect Give an example from the last 5 years where a citizen journalist has been able to exert power by covering events that may have been overlooked by mainstream media.

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Just me and my pup Luffy, living our best life! 🐾 What's your favorite adventure to go on with your furry friend?

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Question 2A: Example of an Individual Who Lost Their Job Due to Democratization. Amy Cooper, known as "Central Park Karen," lost her job due to an incident in May 2020. In Central Park, she called the police on a Black man named Christian Cooper after he asked her to leash her dog. A video of the incident went viral, showing Amy making false claims about being threatened. This caused public anger and resulted in her being fired from Franklin Templeton. Question 2B: The Post/Video That Got Amy Cooper in Trouble https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/05/us/amy-cooper-dog-returned-trnd/index.html The video showing Amy Cooper calling the police on Christian Cooper, a Black man, falsely claiming he was threatening her went viral on social media. It sparked a strong public reaction, highlighting issues of racial profiling and privilege. As a result, Amy Cooper faced significant backlash, which led to her losing her job at Franklin Templeton. Question 2C: Explanation of the Story of Amy Cooper Amy Cooper’s story illustrates the negative effects of the democratization of the web. When she falsely accused Christian Cooper of threatening her, the viral video on social media quickly revealed her actions to the world. This led to strong public backlash and demands for accountability. As a result, Amy Cooper lost her job and the incident opened up a larger discussion about racial profiling, privilege, and how social media can hold individuals accountable. It shows that while social media can expose harmful behavior, it also swiftly spreads the consequences of actions that might have stayed private.

References:

Foley, M. (2020). Amy Cooper and the fallout from the Central Park video. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/

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References:

Cohen, L. (2021). Khaby Lame: How the TikTok star became famous for simplifying life hacks. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/

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Part 1 Question 3 and 4: Role of Democratization in Khaby Lame’s Fame. The rise of Khaby Lame to fame is largely due to the democratization of social media platforms like TikTok. In the past, gaining fame often required significant resources, including connections in the entertainment industry. Khaby’s success shows how social media allows ordinary people to bypass these barriers and achieve viral fame. TikTok's algorithm promotes engagement and gives exposure to creators regardless of their prior fame. Without this democratization, it would have been difficult for Khaby to reach such a vast audience and connect with millions of people worldwide.

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Part 2 - Question 2: Background and Rise to Fame of Khaby Lame. Khaby Lame's rise to fame shows how platforms like TikTok can change lives. He was an unemployed young man in Italy when he began posting videos that humorously simplified complex life hacks. His silent videos, with expressive faces, were easily understood by everyone, helping him reach a global audience. By mid-2021, he had millions of followers and became popular for his unique comedic style. His success is thanks to TikTok's algorithm, which promotes user engagement, allowing him to go viral without any traditional media support.

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Question: Example of an Individual Who Used Democratization of the Web to Become Famous

Khaby Lame is an Italian content creator who became famous on TikTok for his funny videos that simplify complicated life hacks. He started gaining popularity in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when TikTok saw a rise in users. Unlike other influencers who used elaborate content, Khaby's silent comedy, relying on facial expressions and gestures, attracted millions. By 2022, he had over 150 million followers, making him one of the top influencers on TikTok. His rise to fame is a result of the web's democratization, allowing his content to spread quickly without traditional media support.

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Sweet Bobby: A Decade Long Catfishing Scheme Unveiled

The Netflix documentary ‘Sweet Bobby’ uncovers the story of Kirat Assi, who was deceived for nearly ten years by her cousin posing as an online romantic partner, highlighting the deep personal impacts of prolonged catfishing.

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Unmasking the Catfish: The Rising Threat of Online Impersonation

An in-depth analysis reveals a 37% increase in catfishing incidents between 2020 and 2023, with scammers shifting their focus from personal to professional targets. The article emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and preventive measures in the digital landscape.

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I don’t even look like this in real life. Is that catfishing? 🤨🤣

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Motherhood influencers trust Instagram’s safety, yet their kids lives are on full display. 🧐 Is this the privacy paradox in action or will attempts to hide their content trigger the Streisand Effect? 👀🤨

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“Are influencer parents protecting or exploiting their kids? 🤔📸 While they voice concerns about online privacy, their children’s lives are shared for likes and sponsorships. Is this the ultimate privacy paradox?

#Sharenting #PrivacyParadox #OnlineSafety