User-Generated Media

User-generated media (UGM) refers to websites and platforms that feature content primarily produced by people outside of professional media institutions, often for no pay. In colloquial use, the term UGM is often interchanged with the term user-generated content; however, the former refers to the platforms that are used to host, share, and display user-generated content, while the latter refers to individual pieces of content or texts generated by users. Because of their focus on user-generated, personalized, and niche content, UGM are seen as a central component of Web 2.0, a term used to describe platforms that feature dynamic content, interactive elements, and opportunities for public self-expression.

This entry further defines UGM and discusses examples. It then looks at the debate over whether [Page 1828]UGM is a ...