Regulating UGC

Should news organizations edit user-generated content?

Some people fear what users might say in their online posts.

Gahran says most news organizations are either ignoring the content or using a heavy handed approach to regulating content.

She suggests editors should step in when a contentious issue arises and try to set forth a constructive dialogue.

If users recognize that the news organization is trying to be constructive in their approach to an issue, they too will make an effort to be constructive.