Throughout the term we have talked about the power the internet has and how it has evolved because of a high percentage of active participation. The participatory culture is responsible for spreading news at a very high rate whether it is a video or news story. Much of the time social networking sites can even be a source to gain information. However, there are many instances when this active participation can cause derogatory things to spread at a high rate as well. Erin Andrews, who is a reporter for ESPN, was the victim of a video spreading at high rate that compromised her reputation forever.
Andrews who is frequently on the road for her job at ESPN was stalked by Illinois man who followed her on three different occasions. He was able to obtain a peephole video in which Andrews is nude and posing in front of a mirror. The man took the video and posted it online while also trying to sell it to TMZ before he was caught and charged. An active participatory culture caused this video to spread at a high rate with a large number of people viewing it and publically embarrassing Andrews while also sending her into a somber state. The internet held a great hand in this video becoming such a hit and it is a true shame. However, this is another example of what the internet has become.
The man involved in the case was given a two and a half year prison sentence, but Andrews did not feel this was a harsh enough punishment. Her public image was sabotaged due to the number of views the video received. She was violated by a sick human being and he was able to gain popularity via the internet. This was a truly sad example of how this participatory culture can operate, but this is the reality we live in now with the internet.
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