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Monday, April 11, 2011

Web 2.0 & Journalism


Over the course of the semester we have covered a wide range of topics that have sparked an interest. Among those of relative importance is Web 2.0 and the many changes that its concepts have brought along with it.


Although there is no real discernable difference between Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, the changes made due to web 2.0 are great. Web 2.0 primarily refers to the creation and changes in social media. It laid the grounds for Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and now so much more. Web 2.0 allows for two way communication via discussion boards or functions similar to that. It's what enables users to leave their friends comments.


Aside from personal pages it has also paved the way for "wiki" websites. For example Wikipedia is a user generated encyclopedia containing only that which users contribute. Aside from individual definitions of basic words you can find information on just about anything from people and places to exotic dishes or even new age slang. Web 2.0 allows for users to create content in this website or edit previously existing content.


Web 2.0 has also greatly affected journalism. With an unlimited number of blogs, or web logs, out there, the user can find more personal information on subject matters specific to them. Local journalism has never been more personal. Web 2.0 allows for discussion questions and alternate points of view. This phenomenon has spread so effectively that it has become a major threat to the integrity of print journalism. We can already see what changes might come about next.


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