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Navigating the Digital Landscape: Understanding Media Literacy in the Age of Fake News, Cancel Culture, and Outrage Culture
Media literacy has become an essential skill in the digital landscape, where information is readily available and often spread at an alarming rate. With the rise of fake news, cancel culture, and outrage culture, it is more important than ever to understand the media we consume and how it shapes our beliefs and actions.
Fake news has become a buzzword in recent years, referring to deliberately misleading or fabricated information that is presented as if it were real news. The spread of fake news has become a major issue, as it can have significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole. The ability to distinguish between real news and fake news is a critical aspect of media literacy.
One of the challenges of fake news is that it often plays into people’s biases and preconceived notions. As a result, people may be more likely to believe fake news that confirms their beliefs, even if it is not true. This is why it is important to consume a variety of news sources and be aware of our own biases.
Cancel culture is another phenomenon that has become more prevalent in recent years. Cancel culture refers to the practice of publicly shaming and ostracizing individuals who have done or said something considered offensive or problematic. While cancel culture can be a powerful tool for holding individuals accountable, it can also lead to a lack of nuance and a stifling of free speech.
One of the challenges of cancel culture is that it can create a culture of fear, where individuals are afraid to speak their minds for fear of being canceled. This can have a chilling effect on free speech and intellectual diversity. It is important to recognize the difference between holding individuals accountable for their actions and stifling free speech.
Outrage culture is a related phenomenon that has become more prevalent in the digital landscape. Outrage culture refers to the tendency to react with outrage to events or statements, often without taking the time to fully understand the context or nuances involved. Outrage culture can lead to a lack of dialogue and a polarized society.
One of the challenges of outrage culture is that it can lead to a lack of empathy and understanding. When we react with outrage, we are often reacting to our own assumptions and biases, rather than taking the time to fully understand the situation. It is important to take the time to understand the context and nuance of a situation before reacting with outrage.
In order to navigate the digital landscape, it is important to develop media literacy skills. This includes the ability to distinguish between real news and fake news, as well as the ability to recognize the difference between holding individuals accountable and stifling free speech. It also includes the ability to engage in nuanced dialogue and avoid reacting with outrage.
One of the key ways to develop media literacy skills is to consume a variety of news sources and to be aware of our own biases. We should also take the time to understand the context and nuance of a situation before reacting with outrage. Finally, we should strive to engage in respectful dialogue with others, even if we disagree with them.
In conclusion, media literacy is an essential skill in the digital landscape. We must be able to distinguish between real news and fake news, recognize the difference between holding individuals accountable and stifling free speech, and engage in nuanced dialogue rather than reacting with outrage. By developing media literacy skills, we can become more informed and engaged members of society.
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Navigating the Impact of Digital Communication on Politics and Democracy
From the Kennedy/Nixon debates to modern-day campaign commercials, digital communication has drastically impacted the national dialogue on politics and democracy. With the abundance of news sources available and instant access to information, Americans can now consume news that solely aligns with their values and political beliefs. However, this has caused individuals to become polarized and unwilling to consider all sides of an issue. In this blog, we will examine the impact of digital communication on politics and democracy, its effect on national dialogue, and potential solutions to promote a more productive conversation across political lines.
One of the most significant impacts of digital communication on politics is the silo effect. The silo effect refers to the phenomenon where individuals only consume news and information that aligns with their existing beliefs and values, effectively creating an echo chamber that reinforces their viewpoints. This makes it difficult for people with differing political beliefs to engage in productive discussions, as they may be starting from fundamentally different assumptions about the world.
The silo effect has also led to the rise of partisan news commentary, where news outlets are more concerned with promoting a particular agenda rather than providing objective reporting. This has further fueled polarization, making it increasingly difficult for people to engage in productive dialogues.
However, despite these negative consequences, partisan news commentary has a place in the national dialogue. It is important to have a diversity of perspectives represented in the media. However, there needs to be a clear distinction between news and opinion, so viewers can differentiate fact from conjecture.
To combat polarization and promote a more productive conversation, one solution is to encourage individuals to seek out opportunities to engage with those who hold differing political beliefs. This requires a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations and a recognition that meaningful progress often requires compromise and understanding.
Another solution is to promote media literacy and critical thinking skills. By teaching individuals how to evaluate sources of news and information, we can help them develop more nuanced understandings of political issues. This, in turn, can make it easier for individuals to engage in productive dialogues, as they will be starting from a more informed perspective.
Ultimately, the impact of digital communication on politics and democracy is complex and multifaceted. While it has had some negative consequences, such as the tendency towards echo chambers and partisan news commentary, there are also opportunities for growth and progress. By working to promote productive discussions across political lines and to improve media literacy, we can help to build a more informed and engaged citizenry, capable of tackling the complex challenges facing our nation.
In conclusion, the impact of digital communication on politics and democracy has been significant. With the abundance of news sources available, individuals can now consume news that solely aligns with their values and political beliefs. However, this has caused individuals to become polarized and unwilling to consider all sides of an issue. By promoting productive discussions across political lines and improving media literacy, we can help to build a more informed and engaged citizenry that is capable of tackling the complex challenges facing our nation.
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The Evolving Landscape of News Media
The world of journalism has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, thanks to the advent of technology and new forms of media. This transformation has brought forth a new set of challenges for the news media, including finding new ways to reach audiences and stay economically viable. As highlighted in this week’s podcast by Nicco Mele, the search for a sustainable business model has become a critical issue for the future of journalism.
In his podcast, Nicco Mele outlines the challenges faced by the news media in the digital age. With the advent of social media and search engines, traditional forms of advertising are no longer as practical, and the news media has had to find new ways to monetize its content. One solution has been to move towards subscription-based models, where readers pay a fee to access premium content. This has proven to be a successful model for some news outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.
However, the subscription-based model is not without its challenges. As Mele points out, there is a risk that news outlets may become too reliant on a small group of paying subscribers, which could lead to a lack of diversity in content. Additionally, there is a growing concern that the high cost of subscription fees may exclude certain demographics from accessing news and information.
The challenges faced by the news media were further highlighted in John Oliver’s video on American newsrooms. Oliver highlights the decline in local news coverage and the challenges faced by small newspapers in attracting and retaining staff. This has led to a lack of a range of local issues and a decline in accountability reporting. Oliver also touches on the issue of media consolidation and the negative impact it has on the diversity of news and opinions.
Similarly, the 60 Minutes story on the decline of local news outlets highlights the struggles faced by small newspapers in the digital age. The story highlights how newspapers have had to adapt to changing business models, including reducing staff and increasing reliance on digital advertising.
Reflecting on these sources, it is clear that the news media must find new ways to remain economically viable while maintaining the quality and diversity of their content. One solution may be for news outlets to diversify their revenue streams by investing in events, merchandise, and other revenue-generating activities.
Another solution is for news outlets to focus on developing a strong relationship with their audience. This can be achieved through engaging with readers on social media, producing high-quality content that resonates with their audience, and offering unique and valuable insights into the news and issues of the day.
In conclusion, the future of journalism depends on the news media’s ability to find sustainable business models. While the subscription-based model has proven to be successful for some outlets, it is not without its challenges. News outlets must find ways to diversify their revenue streams while maintaining the quality and diversity of their content. By engaging with their audience and offering unique and valuable insights into the news, the news media can stay economically viable while remaining an important source of information and accountability in society.
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Seeing AllSides
Politics in the media seem to be pulling us apart more than bringing us closer together in today’s world. Biases and different views on major events cause a big difference in the way people view the media and allow the creation of strong opinions. Although today we are sifting through the website, All Sides, which posts three separate articles from different political stances, about the same topic to see where or if they differ.
The article I chose speaks on the recent Russian war with Ukraine. I started by reading the “center” article to receive a general idea of what the stories may be focusing on. I chose the center’s report due to the expectation that there would be no bias and I would be able to receive the honest truth on the topic at hand. The center’s article informed me of a less violent time ahead, discussing possible roadblocks for Russian offensive moves. It created an idea in my head that Russia would not be pushing into Ukraine for the next few months due to the mud season in their country. However, after reading the Right’s article It has given me a separate view on the topic. They did not speak on the mud season or explain how that could potentially slow down Russian forces, they gave us more insight to what Russian forces still have under control and possible next moves to take over more of Ukraine. The Left’s article also spoke more in favor of current events of the war and no roadblocks to Russian offensive moves. The websites the articles bring you to are very well known in the media community and the public in general. (New York Times, Fox News)
We have a lot to choose from today’s media, although strong republican media seems to be diminishing in recent years.
After reviewing all of the articles it is clear that your decision on where you get your news will have an impact on the information you gather on current topics. I did find that all articles were able to give similar information on the topic, although you could tell they pick and choose what facts and information they leave in and take out. For example the center’s article focusing on Ukraines mud season, and the Right’s article focusing more on Russian forces and potential Russian attack strategies. I was surprised to see there were no opinions on the war and its foreseeable future, wether either side had an opinion on an end to the war. Or the States current aid with the war, and what our donations are going toward. I am not familiar with this war, although I am aware of how much we are generously giving.
Whenever I hear people arguing about current events going on around the world, I do not believe it should have the power to pull us apart. In reality, we all do not receive the same information, we are reviewing similar topics with different types of articulated information.
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Disconnecting
In my second blog, I expressed how technology impacted my life negatively and prevented me from reaching my full potential. I have yet to take further steps to reduce my screen time, although my journalism professor Jacob Martin challenged us this week. We were asked to spend four hours (continuously) without our technology.
I decided to try it out immediately following the class, I wanted to turn it all off. I dropped my technology off at my dorm and went to the library to work on my homework. Immediately after sitting down, I had to stand right back up and go grab my laptop. I had readings and due dates on there, so I wasn’t sure what to work on or when to work on it. This time with no technology felt like a whole day. Instead of filling my free time with scrolling I filled it with productive activities. I was able to finish my homework for the week, work out, eat lunch with friends, read a book, and filled out my calendar. I felt great and had a fruitful day. It was the aftermath of the experiment that caught me off, guard.
Four hours away from my phone is a long time since it has been a constant part of my life for a decade. I had not cared during the time about my phone, but as soon as my four hours was up I immediately picked up my phone and sat and scrolled, messaged friends who had been trying to reach me, and watched Instagram Reels. After I had completed the bare minimum for my work, I had picked up my phone and went right back into my old habits. At the time It was like I had forgot about my first two blogs. This made me think about my phone in a destructive way. If I do the bare minimum everyday, maybe even less than, and then use my phone as an excuse to sit down and do nothing I will go nowhere because I will never do anything.
This also made me realize it isn’t a phone issue, but a social media issue. I can have my phone and still be productive, but it is my social media apps that make me so attached. I have deleted a few social media apps since being in Journalism, and after this experiment I am now deciding whether to delete the rest of my socials. Deleting these would allow me to focus on my life instead of others, although these same apps are keeping me in the loop with all my home town friends and friends I’ve made here at school. I believe as we get older, social media begins to die out. As we mature we begin to realize that social media is a major block in the road towards living the lives that we want. We will stay in touch with the people we want to stay in touch with no matter with or without social media.
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Pausing Potential
In my first blog, I focused on Tristen Harris and his TedTalk that spoke about our attention economy. In this blog, I am going to continue my talk about this economy and what about it is impacting our everyday lives.
If you don’t know already, we have an innate desire for human interaction and affirmation. Today we have no issue finding outlets that satisfy that need for these types of interactions. In our daily lives, whether you are aware of it or not, we have a lot of people working hard for this attention. We all have real people (friends and family) in our real lives that deserve our attention, although who are we giving it to? In my first blog I spoke on my opinion towards our phones and social media, and that will never change. Although after watching Social Dilemma Instead of focusing on the attention they are attempting to steal, they are also toying with our time emotions and views. This is all the more reason for us to focus on where we are allowing our attention to flow. In one of my first journalism classes this semester we had a class discussion about our attention economy and how it plays out in our everyday lives. Having similar opinions on the subject at hand, somebody spoke up and explained how they are aware of the tech giants grasp have on their attention, although they feel helpless in a sense. Social media is the greatest distraction of all time, and I would be so bold to say at least 90% of my fellow peers, myself included, fall victim to it daily. It is addicting and easy to sit and scroll through endless feeds designed for you and forget about more important things going on in the present. I was curious to see how much of our time during our lives is being stolen by these tech giants, and I will let the statistics speak for themselves.
I would not be surprised if this average time spent on social media will go up as we continue to let them grow and gain more popularity. After further research on this topic and after watching social dilemma I have deleted a few social media apps. For me, social media does not help me in any way but socially. As I am growing older and learning more about the world and myself I want to stop pausing my potential every time I pick up my phone to focus on things that are not relevant to me at all. There is no reason to spend six if not more years of our lives on social media. My mom always told me to never worry about what other people think because they’re too busy worrying about themselves, and that is how I view social media. In reality if you deleted social media nobody would even notice, besides maybe close friends or family. And in the end, you gain a more private life, and possibly 6 years of your life from it. It’s time to focus on what really matters.
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The Love for Life
Hello world, I am Jonathan Heese. I am twenty years old and have a passion for skiing and living a healthy and happy life. I am currently a Sophomore at Creighton University from Denver Colorado, following the communications track. People tell me it is the easy way out, although I have never seen it that way. Throughout my entire education career I haven’t found a specific academic passion besides the love I found for my film classes I have taken at Creighton. Being able to create and be free with your school work is the best feeling.
This semester I have landed myself in a Journalism class, by choice. Following the same creative criteria as my past film classes I believe this will be an exciting and different class. Media is a way for people to tell important and present stories and information of our world. I have always been interested in media because it is something you cannot escape. No matter how hard you try, unless you live in a cave with no internet access, you will follow some type of media source. In todays world we have multiple ways of receiving news. A more popular way of receiving news recently is through social media, it is quicker and easier than print and post. Some of the most popular main news applications include; Facebook, YouTube , Twitter, Instagram.
All of these applications are fighting for your attention by creating more and more for you to read and look at constantly. When the applications have you on their app they can push you in certain directions by choosing specifically what you view. They are also the main reason I spend a decent amount of time on my phone, scrolling mindlessly for what may sometimes be hours. In my first journalism class, we spoke of the attention economy. This problem is perfectly described by Tristen Harris in his TedTalk. If we continue to be so wrapped up in our phones and making media a part of our personality, we could ALL be in deep trouble. I believe we need to take a step closer to eliminating the need and want for phone usage in our daily lives. Being one of the first generations with this type of technology growing up has been disheartening. It feels although we are all living these fake lives online and being dragged away from dreams and goals that we set for ourselves, if we ever even learned how to make them. The learning and all of the lessons we missed out on because of Googling questions we didn’t have the answer to or because we were too busy watching Netflix on our phone inside on a sunny summer day. Today it feels uncommon to come across somebody who has a deep passion for something in their life. I could be sitting in a room full of people I love and a few people could be scrolling through Instagram thinking about other peoples lives, or snap-chatting people who aren’t even in the room. Life is beautiful, every aspect of it, and when you live a life trapped in your phone I firmly believe you will never amount to anything you want.
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