Power to the People: How Citizen Journalism cultivates the social media landscape amid the pandemic

At the onset of the community quarantine, the national government implemented stricter protocols to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Air, sea, and land travel were put to a halt. Malls and parks were closed and mobility was limited, making it harder for everyone to go about their daily activities.

Stricter quarantine protocols had a huge impact on the media industry, most especially on those in the news field. With limited movements, field reporters and newscasters were forced to utilize the only feasible platform they could: social media. Alongside this, netizens also started to do the same in contributing news to society.

Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter paved the way for citizen journalists to share what is happening in their respective communities, most especially during this time where going out meant risking getting infected by the deadly virus.

Ordinary citizens tell their stories in a different way: “Ang citizen journalist, ang nirereport niya [ay] hindi assignment na binibigay sa amin kasi [professional] journalists kami,” says Inday Espina-Varona, former head of ABS-CBN’s citizen journalism arm Bayan Mo, i-Patrol Mo. She also explained the importance for the citizen journalists to get their skills right by practicing responsible reporting so the problems can be addressed in the proper manner.

“The good thing about citizen journalism is it has a very strong point of view kasi kanila yun eh, buhay nila yun,” she adds.

Citizen journalism and social media

Citizen journalism has established its power and reputation on social media, contributing to mainstream news, and being the quickest way to disseminate information.

“Because of the advent of social media, it can be very easy for people to report on current events with just the use of their phone,” says Cristina Chi, Editor-in-Chief of UP CMC’s official publication Tinig ng Plaridel.

The student journalist from UP Diliman explains that, “while the onus on ensuring accuracy and depth is still with the members of the newsroom, it's no longer just reporters who can provide information.” Chi highlights the fire that broke out in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and how the employees were able to give important updates through social media: “Local government officials, student leaders and NGOs were able to reach out without waiting for the media to report on what's happening.”

“I'd like to believe kasi na we can always make use of the info that non-journos bring us, lalo na kung sila yung nandun mismo and it will take time for reporters to get there. Basta syempre accuracy pa rin ang dapat tandaan sa pag-collect ng reports,” she adds.

Amid the clamor of everyday happenings especially in the past year, one can only ponder on the impact that the sharing of information has on one's community and on the world, especially if you come from an area where news outlets are scarce. Chi explains how citizen journalism changed the social media landscape during the pandemic, “Life-saving information arrives quicker. People from different geographical points can provide information. Lalo na siguro dahil sa news desert sa mga far-flung areas na wala nang news organization na talagang masusing nagcocover ng mga events, crucial yung existence ng citizen journalists.”

With the surge of information being uploaded online, fact-checking can be time-consuming. Chi shares how citizen journalists can become more sensitive and responsible not to spread disinformation, “Try to exercise journalistic thinking when posting anything online. Basic things like, are all the facts complete? Am I providing the complete context? Accurate ba yung places and people na minemention ko? Include as well other information that you are uncertain of, to avoid people jumping to conclusions.”

Espina also highlights that despite not being a journalist by profession, citizen journalists must still adhere to the ethical standards of journalism when it comes to sharing information online: “Kung hindi sure, err on the side of caution kasi talagang alam nating nakakasakit at minsan nakakamatay ang maling istorya sa social media.”

Citizen journalists can be anyone coming from different parts of the world, therefore it is important for them to establish credibility and put a premium on the accuracy of information they share.

Bridging technology and real life

The digitalization of news gave birth to the 24/7 news cycle and made people more aware of their power in sharing what is happening in their communities to the online world. With just a click, the whole world receives the information they need first-hand and straight from the people involved themselves.

The ability of social media to spread information faster than any platform enables its consumers to gather details and updates in real-time. Similarly, it becomes a very helpful tool in times of disaster.

As if the pandemic was not enough, the Philippines was battered with successive typhoons during the last few months of 2020. Through social media, victims were able to call for rescue as they were stranded on their roofs and their homes submerged in water, all while fearing contracting the coronavirus.

[Photos courtesy of Manila Bulletin]

Citizen journalism has evolved over time and it became a useful tool in the world of the newsfield. TNP’s Cristina Chi emphasizes the importance of citizen journalism: “When disaster strikes, we need all hands on deck. Citizen [journalists] included.”

Significant changes took place when the current administration stepped in, affecting the news landscape greatly. With the present political climate that the country has, it is vital for every Filipino to be well-aware of the happenings unfolding in their communities.

Citizen journalism gives people the power to take control of the narrative of the stories in social media, most especially since there is a small monopoly in the country’s mass media, and news outlets are owned by oligarchs that forward their personal interests.

As a democratic country, it is important for the Filipino people to realize their strength and become empowered. When the citizenry is aware of their power, they mobilize.