Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?

Web 2.0: Participation or Hegemony?

1) Research the Ian Tomlinson case. What would the traditional, hegemonic view of the police be in a case like this? How did new and digital media create a different story? What does the police officer's subsequent aquittal suggest about the power of new and digital media?

Hegemonic views preach the corruption of the police as an authoritative force which is pardoned for brazen conduct by mainstream media. 

2) What does the author argue regarding whether hegemony is being challenged by Web 2.0? 

The author debates between the view of hegemony being challenged greatly by the idea of providing masses the mouthpiece for speech and channels for user-generated content. However, this may've led to the 'cult of the amateur' which reinforces the ultimate upper-hand of mainstream platforms in the media. 

3) In your opinion, does new and digital media reinforce dominant hegemonic views or give the audience a platform to challenge them?

My beliefs reside with the idea that new and digital media offers audiences more of an influence over decisions and views in the media, as they can openly challenge them and raise awareness to alternative perspectives. However, ultimately, the mainstream succeeds to make the important decisions in industries and governing bodies, and therefore hegemonic views can only be challenged by becoming the aggressor of hegemony in the systematic socialisation of views and ideologies.