Cops vs. Cameras: Widespread Camera Use and the Rise of The New Media
In 1991 when the Rodney King beating was caught on tape it was a coincidence that someone happened to have a video camera with them. Today, nearly everyone carries one in their pocket. And the advent of social media means that a photo or video need only generate a few retweets before it goes completely viral. It seems that news — especially bad news — travels faster than ever; and it brings justice with it.
Whether or not this new media is a force for good is yet to be determined — there are no ethics organizations keeping private users from editing photos or videos to suit their desired outcome — but we can’t deny that the media has changed, and for better or worse it’s in our hands now.
Discussion