Re: How do you get your news? Issues with user-moderated media.

Matt here, taking a brief aside from video games to share another interesting discussion point.

I'm not a personal user of this service, but reddit is growing to be a popular source of news and content. For those unfamiliar with reddit, here's a wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reddit

Reddit is unique in that the stances covered and opinions expressed are moderated exclusively by its users. Content is filtered by subject matter (i.e., video game posts will go in /r/gaming) and the relevance and placement of content is based on how much discussion the content provokes.

However, unlike traditional journalism, reddit is more of a Wild West of journalism. Liberties are taken with posts, commentary, and subsequent action. While a post may begin as a simple delivery of news, it could involve into a heated debate, or in some cases, action. Because reddit users are not journalists in the traditional sense, they are not inhibited by typical privacy procedures. One example of such is the act of doxxing, a controversial practice wherein an anonymous user or individual is tracked down and identified by information they have intentionally or unintentionally left public.

Doxxing grew to an extremely controversial level and prompted an article I recently read that is definitely worth discussion. Social and user-moderated media such as reddit is the "newest" form of media that comes to my mind and the issues inherent in it should be addressed.

Here is the article that prompted this post:

http://www.popehat.com/2013/02/04/reddits-doxxing-paradox/

The author of the article brings up an important question: What is and is not acceptable to do on a social blogging site? Why is removing an internet troll's anonymity wrong, yet removing a rude pastor's anonymity okay? Reddit users have only a number attached to them referred to as Karma to judge the credibility of their provided information and commentary. Is this enough to ensure the exchange of valid information?

Here's hoping we can discuss this form of media more, next update from me will be video-game related.


Cheers,

Matthew