Crowdsourced: meaning, definitions and examples
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crowdsourced
[kraʊdˌsɔːrst ]
Definition
Context #1 | Adjective
online collaboration
Crowdsourced refers to a method of obtaining information, ideas, or services from a large group of people, typically via the internet. This approach leverages the knowledge and skills of many individuals to solve problems or create content, rather than relying solely on traditional sources.
Synonyms
collaborative, community-driven, publicly sourced.
Examples of usage
- The app was developed through crowdsourced funding.
- Crowdsourced data can provide insights that traditional research might miss.
- We used crowdsourced content to enhance our marketing campaign.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'crowdsourcing' was coined in 2006 by Jeff Howe in a Wired magazine article, highlighting the internet's role in gathering contributions from many people.
- Early examples of crowdsourcing can be traced back to the 18th century when some scientific discoveries were based on observations sent in by citizen scientists.
- The term gained popularity alongside social media, as platforms like Wikipedia demonstrated the power of collaborative content creation.
Technology
- Crowdsourcing is widely used in software development, allowing programmers from around the world to collaborate on open-source projects.
- Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe utilize crowdsourcing to fund creative projects by pooling money from interested individuals.
- Data collection for machine learning often relies on crowdsourced inputs to train algorithms, showcasing its importance in modern tech.
Social Impact
- Crowdsourced initiatives have helped in crisis response, with communities coming together through online platforms to provide aid during natural disasters.
- Citizen journalism is a form of crowdsourcing where individuals report news, enhancing the diversity of perspectives in media coverage.
- Crowdsourced mapping projects, such as OpenStreetMap, allow users to collaboratively create and update maps, benefiting underrepresented regions.
Pop Culture
- The concept has been embraced in gaming; for example, 'Foldit' is a game where players contribute to real-world biochemistry research by solving puzzles.
- Some movies and music albums have been created through crowdsourcing, where fans participate in the creative process or fundraising.
- The rise of user-generated content on platforms like YouTube exemplifies additional crowdsourcing by allowing users to share their creative works.
Business
- Many companies leverage crowdsourcing to innovate, gathering insights and ideas from consumers to develop new products.
- Crowdsourced feedback on products or services helps companies better understand their audience and enhance customer loyalty.
- Some businesses use crowdsourced labor for tasks like data entry or market research, benefiting from lower costs and diverse perspectives.