Post 11: Alternative Media

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 To give it a definition, alternative media is any type of media that is not under control of a business opportunity or government agency. For example, alternative media consists of personal websites, e-books, e-magazines, and streamed audio. This is different than traditional media, which includes mainstream newspapers, radio stations, and television channels and shows. Alternative media includes many smaller forms of media that the average person wouldn't really use. The main function of alternative media is to provide non-bias and different perspectives of media than what is main streamed. To elaborate, social media posts and comments on those posts will usually have a different perspective on a situation than the news channel. The opinions of the general public are more relatable rather than the opinions of the news company. Also, a benefit of alternative media is that it can be less biased, as people can more easily express their opinions. Mainstream news outlets are able to filter out certain parts of the news that they do to wish to share and popularize. The government also has a big say in what larger news outlets are allowed to talk about. On the contrary, the government absolutely cannot block out what the general public has to say, especially in the form of alternative media. Alternative media is becoming more and more prominent as time goes on. With the presence of social media, people can share their opinions much more easily than in the past few decades. Especially in todays climate, people are not as afraid to express their opinions to others and the government. This is a relatively good thing, as it is always important that people try to keep others in check. With this, it is also important the general public continues to criticize the government. This way, corruption and censorship can be avoided. Like stated, social media plays a big part in alternative media. Live streams on Instagram of live action news stories are a good example of how social media can get involved in alternative media. Tweets also provide brief information and updates that also include the users personal opinions. Social media as a form of alternative media has a big presence among younger generations. Young teens have access to social media, and hundreds of forms of alternative media. 

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