Digital cameras, photo sharing websites and the Internet have enabled new tools and methods of social networking[1] while consumer trends such as flashpacking and adventure travel have led to a worldwide increase in socially connected photographers.
[2] The proliferation of easy-to-use open source blogging methods, inexpensively-priced equipment and content management system applications has led to an increase in photography for social change[3] and amateur photojournalism.
[4] Some extensions of social photography include geotagging and online mapping, while online social networking destinations like Facebook have led to an increase in the popularity of technology employing the real-time transfer of images.
[5] Geographic areas serviced by outdoor WiFi networks permit extended applications for geocaching which can include the use of Global Positioning Systems and smartphones.
Some news networks and online broadcasters encourage viewers to send in photographs of live, breaking and current events, enabling citizen journalists and amateur photographers to participate in the news gathering process.