From Clickbait to Citizen Journalism: The Evolving Landscape of News Consumption in the Digital Age

Abstract

This paper examines the shifting dynamics of news consumption in the digital age, focusing particularly on the transition from traditional clickbait-driven media models to the rise of citizen journalism. As technology continues to reshape the media landscape, traditional news outlets are facing challenges from new digital platforms that prioritize sensationalism and click-driven metrics. In response, a growing number of individuals are turning to citizen journalism, leveraging social media and digital tools to report on events and share information. This paper explores the implications of this shift for the quality, diversity, and accountability of news content in the digital era, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges it presents for the future of journalism and public discourse.