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Citizen journalism refers to the practice of ordinary individuals reporting and sharing news and information using social media platforms. In recent years, citizen journalism has emerged as a powerful force in the coverage of world events, as it allows for a diverse range of perspectives to be shared and for stories that may not have been covered by traditional media outlets to gain wider exposure. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram have become the primary vehicles for citizen journalism, allowing people to share real-time updates, photos, and videos of events as they unfold.

One of the most notable examples of citizen journalism using social media to increase coverage of world events is the Arab Spring. During the protests and uprisings that took place across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011, citizen journalists used social media to document and share information about what was happening on the ground. These citizen journalists were able to bypass traditional media channels, which were often subject to government censorship and restrictions, and share their stories and perspectives directly with the world. Social media platforms such as Twitter were particularly effective in this regard, as they allowed for real-time updates and provided a platform for activists and protesters to organize and coordinate their efforts.

Another example of citizen journalism using social media to increase coverage of world events is the Black Lives Matter movement. During the protests and demonstrations that took place across the United States in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd by police officers, citizen journalists played a key role in documenting police brutality, sharing eyewitness accounts, and exposing instances of systemic racism. Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok were particularly effective in this regard, as they allowed for the sharing of videos and photos that provided a powerful visual representation of the protests and their impact.

In conclusion, citizen journalism is a powerful tool that allows ordinary individuals to share their stories and perspectives with the world, often providing a more diverse and nuanced view of world events than traditional media outlets. Social media platforms have played a critical role in enabling citizen journalists to share their stories and connect with audiences around the world. As social media continues to evolve and new platforms emerge, citizen journalism will likely continue to play an increasingly important role in the coverage of world events.