A blog is defined by Wikipedia as a “website where entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order.” They are consistently updated to provide information, insight, or experience to the reader. Blog owners, called bloggers, can be individuals or collaborative teams who write entries in the form of text, art, photographs, music, or videos, with text entries being most popular.

The content of blogs is varied and can range from personal diaries to fashion insights or political commentary. Many blogs focus on reporting news and information in a form of reporting called ‘citizen journalism’ or ‘participatory journalism.’ This is an emerging digital phenomenon where individuals in society write and spread information without the support of established media outlets. Here, bloggers not only take on the roles of journalists in informing the public, but also exceed the traditional boundaries of journalists by enabling direct dialogue between themselves and their readers through commentary and other forms of reader feedback in blogs.

One of the first models of citizen journalism online is OhmyNews, a South Korean news blog established around 1999, where its editors contribute around 20% of the news on the site and the public contributes the other 80% of information. The website’s motto, “Every Citizen is a Reporter,” exemplifies citizen journalism, as many websites and blogs allow active participation from the audience in researching information and presenting their views and comments.