Citizen Journalists: A Menace

The rise of the "citizen journalist" has hit a snag: most of them are just nosy neighbors with a phone and a grudge. Armed with nothing but a high-resolution camera and a complete lack of libel laws understanding, these vigilantes are "reporting" on everything from a local councilman's questionable lawn ornament choices to "suspicious" activity at the dog park. The news they break is usually a misunderstanding, leading to mobs of angry online commenters demanding justice for crimes that never happened. One "investigative" piece claimed the new bakery was a front for money laundering because they used too much cash; it was just a popular spot. Professional reporters are horrified, but also slightly jealous of their freedom to be completely wrong without consequence. -- Bohiney Magazne bohiney.com