Assess the claim that the media is becoming more democratic? (London Riots)

London awoke today to more smashed and burned streets after a third night of violence. As looters took to the streets of Hackney, Peckham and Croydon, services such as Twitter, BlackBerry Messenger and even the PlayStation Network were once again in the spotlight, with a rumour spreading across social networks that BlackBerry Messenger would be shut down.

Through a combination of Chinese whispers and the social media echo chamber, folks watching at home began to spread the rumour that BlackBerry Messenger would be turned off between 7pm and 6am.

That tactic sounds familiar. Oh that's right, the dictatorship in Egypt did it, turning off phone networks and Internet access to stop protestors co-ordinating during the Arab Spring revolutions. Many Twitter users also called for the use of rubber bullets and water cannon, and even martial law as the mindless violence continued.

Before yesterday's trouble flared, the UK BlackBerry account tweeted, "We feel for those impacted by this weekend's riots in London. We have engaged with the authorities to assist in any way we can." However, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion has confirmed this is only a rumour. 

BlackBerry Messenging has been described as a "shadow social network", but RIM has pointed out that, "As in all markets around the world where BlackBerry is available, we co-operate with local telecommunications operators, law enforcement and regulatory officials.

"Similar to other technology providers in the UK we comply with The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and co-operate fully with the Home Office and UK police forces." That legislation allows police to access private messages if they are related to the commission of a crime.

Dog and bone 

If BBM is a "shadow social network", then so are text messages and email. Some Tweeters revealed that young people were discussing the riots over the PlayStation Network. 

Heck, Cockney rhyming slang began as a way of talking without police being able to understand what was being discussed -- if we turn off BBM should we also ban titfers and barnets and apples and pears?

As always, the tools of communication are just that, and we should be careful not to overstate their use. One of the great strengths of online and digital communication is also one of its biggest weaknesses: it's instant, which allows for bang up to date reporting of what's happening, and such positive uses as today's #riotcleanup hashtag. But it can also lead to people posting inflammatory or ill-informed messages without thinking them through or checking their source.

A spokesman for Mobile Youth, a think tank researching phone use among the young, told the BBC, "Once someone starts posting on a BBM group or Twitter, a lot of young people try to follow the trend... they might talk about it or use the same hashtag which makes it sound like there is a lot more volume."

So tweet responsibly, folks.

Have you received inflammatory messages on BBM, PSN or other social networks? Do you think authorities should have the right to turn off communications when trouble flares? Tell us your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.

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What is Citizen Journalism?

Put very simply, citizen journalism is when private individuals do essentially what professional reporters do - report information. That information can take many forms, from a podcast editorial to a report about a city council meeting on a blog. It can include text, pictures, audio and video. But it's basically all about communicating information of some kind.
The other main feature of citizen journalism is that it's usually found online. In fact, the emergence of the Internet - with blogs, podcasts, streaming video and other Web-related innovations - is what has made citizen journalism possible.

The Internet gave average people the ability to transmit information globally. That was a power once reserved for only the very largest media corporations and news agencies.

Semi-Independent Citizen Journalism

This involves citizens contributing, in one form or another, to existing professional news sites. Some examples:

• Readers posting their comments alongside stories done by professional reporters - essentially a 21st-century version of the letter to the editor. A growing number of news websites allow readers to post comments. In an effort to prevent obscene or objectionable messages, many websites require that readers register in order to post.
• Readers adding their information to articles done by professional journalists. For instance, a reporter may do an article about disparities in gas prices around town. When the story appears online, readers can post information about gas prices in areas not covered in the original story, and even offer tips on where to buy cheaper gas.
• Readers actively working with professional reporters in putting together a story. A reporter might ask that readers with expertise in a particular area send him or her information on that topic, or even do some of their own reporting. That information is then incorporated into the final story.
• Reader blogs that are incorporated into professional news websites. That can includes blogs in which readers critique how the news organization is performing.
  • Blogs in which individuals can report on events in their communities or offer commentary on the issues of the day.
    • Websites run by an individual or a group of people that report on news events in the local community. Some have editors and screen content, others do not. Some even have print editions.
      • A slight variation on this theme would be Wikinews, a site similar to Wikipedia, in which anyone can post and edit stories.
        • Hybrid sites in which professional and citizen journalists work together.