THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL CITIZEN JOURNALISM ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND ACTION

Dr.Sheik Mohamed S.H; Dr.Uma. S; Dr. Nirmala M; Syamsunir Syamsunir

Dr.Sheik Mohamed S.H Department of Visual Communication, S.A College of Arts and Science, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Dr.Uma. S Department of Defence and Strategic Studies, Guru Nanak College, Chennai, India.
Dr. Nirmala M Department of Visual Communication,Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies, Chennai, India
Syamsunir Syamsunir University of Muhammadiyah Sidenreng Rappang

Keywords: Citizen Journalism, Environmental Awareness, Social Media, Policy Influence, Digital Technology

Abstract

This study explores the role of digital citizen journalism in promoting environmental awareness and action. It highlights how citizen-generated content can address environmental challenges, such as restoring polluted rivers, reducing plastic waste, and preserving wildlife habitats. Digital platforms can support grassroots movements, influence policy decisions, and amplify voices for environmental change. The study also highlights the need for comprehensive journalistic training programmes to address evolving reporting standards and the threat of disinformation in online environmental discourse. It also highlights the potential of future technologies like AI and AR to enhance the effectiveness of environmental journalism. The study concludes that citizen-generated content has a significant impact on environmental awareness and action and that stakeholders must address challenges like credibility issues, information overload, and platform biases. Transparent editorial standards, media literacy, and diverse voices in citizen reporting can help. Citizen-generated material can revolutionise environmental journalism and drive positive global change through innovation and collaboration.