What is “the Fifth Estate” in the context of media?

“The Fifth Estate” refers to social media within the context of media types. Traditionally, media has been categorized into four estates: the first estate being the clergy, the second being the nobility, the third being the common people (often represented by journalists), and the fourth estate being the press. The emergence of social media has transformed how information is shared and consumed, granting the public a platform to disseminate news and opinions without the traditional editorial oversight of conventional media outlets.

This shift has significantly impacted public discourse, enabling grassroots movements, democratizing information access, and allowing for a wider range of voices to be heard. Social media now plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing political outcomes, which aligns with the concept of a "fifth estate" that complements the traditional structures of power and influence in society.