Mirror, mirror on the web

The article by YouTube co-founder Lakshmi Chaudhry ‘Mirror, Mirror on the web’(2007),explores the notion of ‘micro-celebrity; one who gains popularity following due to the heavy distribution of the internet. It discusses the obsession with being famous, a desire shared by many of the generation born between the1970 to 2000, which is expressed through media such as MySpace.com, reality television, and Internet blogging. The author argues that the craze to be famous or recognized on a mass scale is fuelled by ego-centrism and self-focuses instead of actual achievement.

I mostly agree with the author’s opinion on the circumstances of mass distribution of the net, that unlike one-way communication system of mass media, the internet and its alternative media provide two-way of communications, which gives us more liberty and chances to be famous.

However I have a little doubt about Chaudhry’s statement that "Everyone, in the back of his mind, wants to be a star." There is no doubt that the American culture along with Hollywood has had huge impacts on the globe as celebrities are worshiped and most citizens consider themselves, as special and important. Nevertheless, I believe that not everyone wants all the fame and attentions that celebrities receive. It is their choice of lifestyle and to serve and respect other talented people rather than the obsession of themselves.

Citizen journalism: where everyone can be a journalist

Citizen journalism is a new and fast growing media phenomenon which is generated by the participation of global citizens through new technologies. It is when citizens, quoted by “We Media”, play "an active role in the process of collecting, reporting, analysing and disseminating news and information".

In citizen journalism, anyone can be a journalist without being professionally trained. Using devices such as mobile phone, digital camera, video recorder and the internet, anyone can produce and share news around the world. With the common use of the internet, blog is now a popular tool used by citizen worldwide to communicate and share news.

It is worth to note that in these days, a lot of news contents which we hear on the news and radio, or read on the newspaper and magazines are submitted by citizens to the media companies. Programs such as “You Witness”, created by Yahoo, allow citizen to submit newsworthy images taken with mobile phones to be in the company’s news outlet. However, it set off alarm bells among professional journalists and photojournalists.

Main stream media encourages citizen journalism and continues to seek sources from citizens as the companies can make more profit by selling stories which interests the audience and by cutting the cost of hiring professional journalists.

From all the shocking mobile phone images and videos uploaded to internet sites by Iran citizens during the recent Iran election incident, to those blurry photos taken on mobile phones by locals who have spotted Miranda Kerr sun baking on Manly beach.
Either to speak an uncensored truth about the world or simply to entertain, the importance and influence of citizen journalism is undeniable.