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Alternative Media are non-traditional sources of news and information that challenge the narrative presented by established media outlets, while citizen journalism is the practice of ordinary individuals reporting on news events, often using technology like social media or blogs, rather than traditional media outlets. So, in short, these are more independent sources compared to where mainstream media like Fox and CNN are the opposite. This blog is an example of both, but so can podcasts, TikTok, Facebook, radio, etc. To get a better understanding, the Geostra explains it as "These platforms provide a voice to marginalized communities and underrepresented perspectives. They operate on principles of transparency, accountability, and a commitment to social change" (Khan,2023)

Why are these types of platforms important and significant? Great social movements have sparked from these platforms, such as the #metoomovement, which spreads awareness on sexual abuse, and the Black Lives Matter movement is a result of alternative media after the murder of Trayvon Martin. Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Ayo Tometi created the hashtag Black Lives Matter on social media, and since then, it has become one of the largest movements in U.S. history. We have seen an increase in ordinary citizens strengthening their civic attitude and acting as a check on the government by raising accountability through exposure. Another great positive is that not only does it allow us to communicate our opinions, but it also allows us to view diverse perspectives and open our eyes to other possibilities. 

Although we have many positives, like anything else, some negatives come with alternative media and citizen journalism. Due to a lack of resources and legal knowledge, it can be very easy for independent sources to get into legal trouble, like defamation, for example. Mainstream media like Google, ABC, and NBC, etc., have the funding and resources to be prepared for possible trouble, and I would assume they also have attorneys ready. One of the most relevant cons is the influence of negative behaviors. We see this a lot on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, creators with large followings create trends that children and even adults fall victim to. Some range from disrespect, like the current "Chicken Jockey," where teens and young adults cause chaos in the movie theater, to the "Blackout Challenge," which is killing people. At the end of the day, it is our responsibility to protect our children and to decide whether we engage in these trends or not. 

Overall, I find alternative media and citizen journalism to be extremely beneficial to society as they help us act out our civic responsibilities and express our beliefs freely. We have to learn that it is our responsibility to protect ourselves and make the right decisions about what we believe or act on. It can be very risky if you have little to no legal knowledge or resources. It's an opportunity to hear and share raw and non-scripted opinions, spark social movements, and give ordinary people opportunities to state their opinions and beliefs without having to have connections, a degree, or money.