Digital Media & Society

Week 3:

 Topic 1: Fake News This week, you watched Fake news vs real news (PBS online video):

Discussion: Fake news is no longer a matter of the occasional hoax. There is growing evidence that fake news has the power to shape public opinion and even sway elections. As more Americans get their news online, it is increasingly vital that we as consumers know how to verify sources and spot fake news. Topic 1 Questions:

1. Explain at least two ways fake news could affect results of political elections?

2. What can companies like Facebook and Twitter do to stop users from spreading fake news? What can we, as consumers, do? What do you think would work, especially with younger users?

 Topic 2: Deepfakes

This week you read about Deepfakes in two different Read & Watch items, one created by CNN Business and one by Forbes. 

Discussion: Deepfake technology will certainly become more prevalent as we move into the future. Topic 2 Questions: 

1. How concerned are you about the negative impact Deepfakes could have on society?

Minimum Topic Response: PLEASE RESPOND IN THREE OR MORE SENTENCES PER TOPIC. NOTE 1: Please make sure you answer EACH item and LABEL each item (#1, #2, #3, etc) so that I can easily check that each item has been answered. NOTE 2:  Please do not attach a file to the conference--enter your reply into the text area provided.

Week 4:

Topic 1: Copyright This week you read about copyright and some of the laws governing digital rights management. Discussion: Copyright protection is available for original works of authorship that are fixed in a tangible form, whether published or unpublished. The categories of works that can be protected by copyright laws include paintings, literary works, live performances, photographs, movies, and software. Response #1: Make an argument  for or against  the following statement: "Copyright is the only way for musicians, artists, and filmmakers to protect their integrity.  What's important is not profit, but protecting creative content from unfair use. Copyright should remain an important part of our law".  Justify your response with support from the reading .

 Topic 2: Customer Location Data This week you read the article " Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint Suspend Selling of Customer Location Data (web page) . Discussion: Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint will no longer share its customers' location information with several third-party companies who failed to handle the data appropriately. Question #1: Do you agree with phone companies sharing their customers' information with third-party companies? Why or why not? Support your answer.

 Topic 3: Filter Bubbles This week read the article"  Measuring the Filter Bubble: How Google is measuring what you click" and watched " How Filter Bubbles Isolate You" (YouTube Video) Discussion: If you and I performed a Google Internet search on a topic, we could get totally different results. How is this possible?  In attempts to provide us with user-specific content based on the data they collect on us, web companies may also be restricting us from information and "narrowing our world view." Question #1: What are your thoughts on filter bubbles? Have you ever encountered a Filter Bubble?  Do you think companies like Facebook and Google have a civic responsibility in this area? 

Minimum Topic Response: PLEASE RESPOND IN THREE OR MORE SENTENCES PER TOPIC. NOTE 1: Please make sure you answer EACH item and LABEL each item (#1, #2, #3, etc) so that I can easily check that each item has been answered.