Citizen journalism is the act of non-professional, ordinary citizens playing an active role in collecting, reporting, analyzing, and disseminating news, often via social media, blogs, and smartphones. It acts as an alternative to mainstream media, allowing for real-time reporting on local events, disasters, or political movements.

Participatory documentaries are a form of filmmaking where the subjects being documented play an active role in the creation of the film, often collaborating with the filmmakers to tell their own stories. This approach emphasizes the importance of participation and collaboration, fostering a deeper connection between the filmmakers and the subjects while highlighting social issues and public discourse. By involving the subjects in the filmmaking process, these documentaries aim to empower individuals and communities, challenging traditional power dynamics in documentary filmmaking.