Keywords: ‘modern technology’ and ‘everyone’ and ‘create’ and ‘journalists’ and ‘effects’.
Majority possess smartphones with integrated cameras – always accessible at any time
Instant access to the internet – share with the wider community
News as it happens (e.g. Arab Spring/London riots)
Increasing use by news channels/newspapers
Difficult to censor/control by political regimes
Spontaneous/honest/authentic
Often unverifiable/location can be unclear
Lacks professional commentary
Invaluable but needs analysis and editing, so a journalist view is necessary
People can communicate without the need for news channels
The voice of ordinary people can be heard
Fake news