BLOGGING PLATFORMS AS ARENAS FOR THE MEDIA ACTIVITIES OF CITIZEN JOURNALISTS
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Rudyk Myroslava 
Published: March 2024

The article is dedicated to the investigation of blogging platforms as information and communication arenas during wartime. It analyzes the media activities of citizen journalists as a crucial component of the overall information landscape in Ukraine, outlining the peculiarities of their work, the specifics of information dissemination, and the prospects for the development of citizen journalism as a whole. The advantages and disadvantages of citizen journalism are highlighted. Journalism is one of the most dynamic spheres of our existence, and the information space in Ukraine has undergone significant changes since the full-scale war. The development of technological tools always transforms journalism, elevating it to new levels of possibilities. The use of modern blogging platforms, widely accessible not only to professional journalists but also to activists, has contributed to powerful changes in the information sector. Citizen journalism during the Russo-Ukrainian war has taken on entirely different dimensions than before, prompting new reflections on the role of citizen journalists. This expands the scope of the researched issue, from ethical considerations and adherence to journalistic standards to understanding the safety of information activities for both journalists and humanity as a whole. Not every blogger can be called a citizen journalist. The crucial characteristic of citizen journalism, as opposed to mere blogging, is self-awareness, active social action, dedication to an idea, drawing attention to a problem, lobbying for public interests, and serving the function of public control. In the article were examined the activities of citizen journalists, who meet professional standards and exemplify citizen journalism. These include Ihor Lachenkov, Serhiy Sternenko, and Kostyantyn Liberov. Their blogging platforms and social networks were analysed, their content characterised, and posting frequency assessed. The activities of citizen journalists become most in-demand when media representatives cannot capture an event promptly at a particular moment. Citizen journalists find it easier to disseminate information through blogging platforms and social media, especially considering the tremendous trust these platforms enjoy. Survey results illustrate the colossal trust in these platforms. When asked, «What mass media tools did citizens use to get news in 2022?» the responses were as follows: 1. Social networks – 74%, 2. News websites – 42%, 3. Television – 36%, Radio – 11%, Print media – 3%. We observe a trend in the Ukrainian information space where some bloggers position themselves as citizen journalists, even though they previously did not have such a pronounced civic position. This trend became particularly evident at the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine when influencers started using their blogs to inform their audience about the events in Ukraine, mobilizing them for active volunteer actions and resisting enemy challenges. Keywords: citizen journalism, information dissemination, blogging platforms, war.