4 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Even the best fail to reach true objectivity. Some say it's humanly impossible to be unbiased. Reason being we are humans, we have emotions, and we care about certain issues. To be a citizen journalist one often writes about one's interest. If one is interested in politics, cooking, or baseball, one is going to insert one's idea into one's writing.

If I am writing about Italian cooking, I like garlic, so I am going to include garlic in the recipe or story. It's what I like, and to write about the aroma will be included in my citizen journalist story. I'm biased. I like garlic.

Back in the early 60s, before Watergate, most reporting was unbiased. Once Watergate happened at the US President Richard Nixon was taken down, journalist saw the power they had. This is when bias news started. In the last 30 years since Watergate, the news has become more and more biased. Feel the power of the word. It's a potent way to communicate.

So for citizen journalist not to be affected by bias in writing, it's very tough and very, very, very boring. A bias point of view causes reaction. The reader, either for or against the bias point of view, is going to react. For a citizen journalist that's good. The reader was so impressed or taken back by the words she reacted. The writer caused an effect

To be unbiased is simply boring. The writer is presenting different views on the issue. This could also get confusing. The writer trying to paint an unbiased picture ends up putting together a convoluted writing piece. Unless, of course, the writer is crystal clear and a potent user of words, confusion will set in the reader's mind.

This is the advantage of being a citizen journalist. One needs not to overly worry about appearing bias. As a citizen one could simply write what one thinks and feels without feeling the weight of objectivity on the shoulder or someone tagging the writer as prejudice. One has a greater leeway and more chances at creativity as a citizen journalist. The last thing one should think about is being bias. Usually outside of the established newspapers like the New York Times, the Washington Post, or the L.A. times, there is plenty of bias reporting in the daily newspapers. Many even say the three newspapers mentioned also contain bias reporting.

In other media, there is unabashed bias reporting favoring one political party, or one status class over another. It's only human to be bias.

Sometimes bias writing by a citizen journalist attracts a loyal following. Some want to read bias point of views that agree to their own bias. To read words from someone with similar thoughts is reaffirming. The reader feels she is not alone with her thoughts. Like minded in bias thinking by the citizen journalist could be work in favor of the writer.

Learn more about this author, Frank Lavoine.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Sharing unbiased information through citizen journalism?
We want to hear your view. Write now!