Citizen journalism gone to far?

Only but a day ago in Aucklands CBD, circa Elliot Street, did a young female lose her life in a battle with height and the footpath. The disaster of such event is not totally understood without analysing the hordes of people videoing and photographing the incident. It begs the question of whether citizen journalism has gone too far. Alexandra Le Tellier of the LA Times argues "that as a culture, we need to adopt some ethical parameters before we go about uploading videos and photos onto social media sites for all to see." In relation to this comment I would have to whole heartedly agree. As a culture we have to think about our actions before we candidly shoot and broadcast! Le Tellier further comments that "It's morally reprehensible. That's what distinguishes journalists, who have to follow ethical guidelines and think about consequences, from the everyday Joe with a camera and a YouTube account."

What do we, borrowing Mark Prensky's term, the digital natives think about this consideration? Thoughts?

Eons of Evolution and We are Still Dumb Animals

Alright team to kick off the 2013 year here is some words of advice from a recovering Journo: Gary Goldhammer.

WE ARE DUMB ANIMALS.

Evolution is not the same as change, and eons of evolution didn’t change us. We are still wild, scared, nervous mammals. We scream at the dark because we can’t remember what happened to the light. We are dumb. We Repeat ourselves despite ourselves. We say we will learn but we don’t have the will. We have the capacity but not the courage. We say we won’t forget and then live in our amnesia. The cycle is always the same:

• Innocent people are killed and we are shocked

• We ask how this happened

• We try to understand why this happened

• Experts speculate and pontificate, politicians sympathize, communities struggle to find solace

• The media leaves, CNN goes back to regular coverage of celebrity rehab, and the cycle starts anew

Laws don’t change. Society doesn’t change. We build walls and make excuses and blame others and then, quietly, eerily, we forget. We are dumb, empty, scared animals. We are a species of victims and pallbearers. We are what we deserve. No, we are not without hope. We can do better – and sometimes we do, despite ourselves. We left the cave, we built towns and cities, we improved our health and welfare and have demonstrated flashes of growing beyond the bounds of our imaginations. And this, perhaps, is what’s so sad – that we have the ability to advance but won’t take the steps. If 20 more dead children, more funerals, more families shattered won’t convince us to change, then nothing will. We will repeat the cycle, over and over, expelling so many tears that, over time, I fear we will no longer call it crying. We scream at the dark because we forgot that we, all of us, are the light. Dumb, sad, shameful animals – pray for us, too.

Dec 15, 2012 1:48:22 PM | Current Affairs  (Excerpt taken from Typepad - Below the Fold, 8th March 2013)

Okay so post away, and share any topics of concern and keep the wheels of interest turning!