Citizen journalism refers to the act of individuals participating in the news-gathering and reporting process, as opposed to professional journalists who are employed by media organizations. It is a form of journalism that is practised by ordinary citizens who use various media tools, such as social media, blogs, and websites, to gather, report, and disseminate news and information.
The rise of the internet and social media has significantly impacted the media landscape and has enabled ordinary citizens to become active participants in the news-gathering and reporting process. With the widespread availability of technology and the internet, anyone with a smartphone or access to a computer can now report on events as they happen. This has led to a democratisation of the news and information dissemination process and has given a voice to marginalized communities and individuals who previously may not have had one.