critical thinking
deefer
05_MediaManipulationAdvertisingSpring2026.pptxppt/presentation.xml
customXml/item1.xml
DocumentLibraryForm DocumentLibraryForm DocumentLibraryForm
customXml/itemProps1.xml
customXml/item2.xml
Not started
customXml/itemProps2.xml
customXml/item3.xml
This value indicates the number of saves or revisions. The application is responsible for updating this value after each revision.
customXml/itemProps3.xml
ppt/slideMasters/slideMaster1.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slides/slide1.xml
Module 5 Intro: Media Manipulation: Fake News, Bias, and Advertising Spring 2026 Critical Thinking Online Fayetteville State University Dr. Jon Young, Instructor
ppt/slides/slide2.xml
Learning Outcomes Apply concepts from this module to identify and avoid manipulation by social media, news media, and advertisements. Distinguish “fake news” from other types of misinformation. Explain the effects of targeting on our social and news media experiences. Identify the four attributes of reliable news reporting (accuracy, completeness, objectivity, and lack of bias). Avoid common techniques used by advertisers to manipulate your behavior. (See syllabus for more detailed list of learning outcomes.) Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 2
ppt/slides/slide3.xml
In this module, you will Complete the Required Reading This Power Point Presentation Read Chapter 5 (Sections 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) in your electronic textbook. Earn at least 6 of 10 points on the Quiz. Submit a writing assignment. Contribute to the Discussion Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 3
ppt/slides/slide4.xml
Applying Critical Thinking to Media Our lives are saturated by media in ways that previous generations could not have imagined. And, as is true of all technological advances, media can be used for both positive and negative purposes. On the positive side, we have more information at our fingertips and can maintain contact with friends and family across great distances as never before. (Consider how amazing it is that you can take university courses online!) Yet, those same technologies can be used to manipulate you by spreading false information, appealing to raw emotions, making false promises, and many more. No doubt you have already applied your native critical thinking skills – common sense -- to news and social media to sort out fact from fiction. This lesson will help you apply critical thinking to sort through fake news, media bias, and advertising to discover facts, detect nonsense, and reach reasonable conclusions and intelligent solutions . Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 4
ppt/slides/slide5.xml
5.1 Media Manipulation Remember confirmation bias – our tendency to pay attention only to evidence that supports our claims while ignoring contrary evidence? Confirmation bias plays a big role in the spread of misinformation online – as individuals “like” and “share” information that conveniently fits their pre-determined conclusions. Critical thinkers will always try to avoid the allure of confirmation bias as they evaluate claims and information from social media, news media, and advertising. Beware of homophily , which is the tendency to give more credence to a statement if it comes from our friends. In the age of social media, we may share a friend’s comments with other friends without verifying its accuracy. With millions of people doing this everyday, no wonder a great deal of misinformation is spread online. Critical thinkers never, never, ever share a post without verifying its accuracy. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 5
ppt/slides/slide6.xml
Media Manipulation One of the most powerful sources of media manipulation is targeting. Social media platforms use sophisticated algorithms to channel news and information that, based on previous likes and web activity, will catch your attention. These platforms want to “guide” you to sites and sources that will elicit your emotions and potentially motivate you to action. Beware of the “filter bubbles,” that arise from our tendency to form exclusive groups that define themselves over and against other groups they dislike. Our online filters will direct us toward people like us. This normal activity of associating with people like us becomes a hazard if we listen only to to those in our group. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 6
ppt/slides/slide7.xml
Social Media Targeting - Example Several weeks ago, my wife and I went to a movie (we go to lots of movies, bad one, stupid ones, great ones) in which I was struck by the extraordinary number of young women in the audience. Some were alone and others in groups. I was surprised that the theater was nearly full since I had previously seen no advertisements for this movie. By the end of the movie, which turned out to be one that would appeal to young, single women, I concluded that this unusual audience was the product of targeted media. Instead of marketing the movie to general audiences, the film company had targeted social media page of young women. I don’t know this for sure, but I think it is very likely. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 7
ppt/slides/slide8.xml
5.2 Fake news Anytime you hear a celebrity or political leader call a news story “fake news,” beware! They may just use the term to dismiss an unflattering story. (And if those who hear such claims do not check out other sources, then they too will dismiss the story as fake news.) Fake news is the deliberate reporting of false information as if it were real news. Such deliberate reporting of false information is almost always aimed at your emotions -- fear, anger, resentment, hatred – with the goal of motivating you to do something – vote for a particular candidate, give money to a cause, sign a petition, resist some law, attend a rally or protest, etc. (Note: Frequently, emotional appeals will motivate us much more readily than appeals to reason!) The goal of purveyors of fake news – you must be clear – is to manipulate your thought and action to serve their interests and purposes, not yours. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 8
ppt/slides/slide9.xml
Fake news Critical thinking can help you avoid such manipulation by those who spread fake news. The textbook offers several useful suggestions. Read laterally - As you read information on the Internet, check out other sources. Read critically – Is the story plausible? Is there sufficient support for the story, i.e., references to reliable sources? What do fact-checking organization say about the story? (see p. 157 for list of reliable fact-checking resources.) Included in your readings this week is a list of standards of the International Fact Checking Network. News sources that are signatories to this network must meet these criteria . Use Google and Wikipedia carefully – The textbook offers several tips for using these sources effectively. Check your own biases – We all tend to believe the stories we want to believe. Am I accepting a story as true simply because it says something negative about someone I dislike? Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 9
ppt/slides/slide10.xml
5.3 Media Bias Bias occurs in news reporting when the beliefs and values of the writer, editor, news organization leads to an incomplete, inaccurate, or distorted account of an event or action. As critical thinkers you need to be aware that there is no such thing as completely unbiased reporting. What a news organization considers “newsworthy” reflects the values and beliefs of the organization’s decision makers and their estimate of what their audience considers important. Bias is evident in who the organization invites to discuss recent news events; some networks only invite more conservative commentors while others invite only more liberal ones. Such choices reflect the beliefs and values of the news organization. This is why it is imperative to check out multiple sources for your news. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 10
ppt/slides/slide11.xml
Bias Your task as a critical thinker is to discern when such bias distorts the reporting of news. I mentioned earlier that I now live in New Mexico; there are some newspapers in very small rural areas here who do not even try to conceal their biases. For example a recent front page headline stated, “Senator’s Speech Disgraces Memory of Fallen Warriors.” The story reported on a Memorial Day speech that made reference to policies that the paper’s editors (and their audience) did not like. Such bias is usually not so blatant; the only way to escape the impact of bias in the news is to view multiple sources. If you get most of your news from one source, you should occasionally check out other sources to see their take on the news. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 11
ppt/slides/slide12.xml
Truthful, reliable news reporting We should expect four qualities of truthful, reliable news reporting. Accuracy - reporting only those events for which there is sufficient evidence and no grounds for reasonable doubt. Reliable news sources will seek confirmation from various sources, and they will cite these sources in their reporting._ Objectivity – involves fairness in the organization and reporting of information so that it exhibits no explicit or implicit preference for one set of values over another. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 12
ppt/slides/slide13.xml
Truthful, reliable news reporting We should expect four qualities of truthful, reliable news reporting. Completeness – Reporting all relevant aspects of a story, especially its context. The meaning of an event or quote can be easily distorted if take out of its context. Lack of bias – Avoidance of the distortions of information based on the values or beliefs of the writer, editor, or news agency. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 13
ppt/slides/slide14.xml
Reliable news reporting After the U.S. attack on nuclear facilities in Iran, we heard many different estimates of the extent of the damage. Regarding this issue. the NY Times made this statement – which offers “the first rule of journalism,” which all news agencies should strive for: “The first rule of journalism is to write what you know. Not what you suspect. Not what partisans need for their own political narratives. Not what intelligence officials may tell you to fit the White House’s desire. We use satellite photographs. We talk to nuclear inspectors. We talk to foreign intelligence agencies. And yes, when we can, we talk to the Iranians.From the NY Times, June 18, 2025 Critical thinkers will always be on the lookout for the evidence that supports what the reporters claim to know. t Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 14
ppt/slides/slide15.xml
Statements of Fact and Opinion See the “For Further Thought,” Section 5.3, p. 167) “Can You Tell the Difference Between Fact and Opinion?” A statement of fact is one that can be proved or disproved by based on objective evidence. A statement of opinion expresses the beliefs and values of the source making the statement and cannot be definitively proved or disproved by reference to objective evidence. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 15
ppt/slides/slide16.xml
Fact vs. Opinion - Example Statement of fact: In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision that guaranteed certain rights to abortion. This statement can be verified by reference to specific public documents (evidence). Statement of opinion: “The Supreme Court’s decision was good/bad,” reflects the beliefs and values of the speaker. Whether the decision was good or bad cannot be verified by reference to objective evidence. Informed opinions about any issue require arguments , that is, a conclusion supported by reasons. The premises of an argument will include verifiable facts, but such facts do not, by themselves, establish the truth of the conclusion. (Remember you are taking this course to help you improve your ability to evaluate and formulate arguments.) Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 16
ppt/slides/slide17.xml
5.3 Media Bias Claims about the “liberal bias” or the “conservative bias” of media are so common that we may take them as well-established facts. Be sure you understand the textbook’s analysis of these arguments. What do you think? Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 17
ppt/slides/slide18.xml
“Reasonable skepticism” This is probably the single most important concept of this chapter. A critical thinker takes an attitude a of reasonable skepticism to news reporting. This attitude strives for a balance between gullibility (accepting anything and everything as true) and cynicism (accepting nothing as true). Please be sure you understand and can apply this approach. Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 18
ppt/slides/slide19.xml
Analysis, opinion, advocacy Reliable news sources will include various types of opinion articles. Reputable organizations will make the distinction between news reporting and opinion very clear. Critical thinkers will not dismiss all opinion as “mere opinion,” but will evaluate the quality of the arguments. Do the premises provide sufficient support to make it reasonable to accept the conclusion? (This course helps you answer this question regarding specific questions.) Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 19
ppt/slides/slide20.xml
News Media vs. Advertising We may reasonably expect news organizations to provide reporting that is accurate, complete, objective, and unbiased. Though they may fall short of these criteria, most news organizations claim to observe them. Advertising, on the other hand, makes no pretense of accuracy, completeness, objectivity, or lack of bias. Advertising exists for one purpose: to influence, persuade, and manipulate us into thinking, acting, and spending our money in certain ways. Advertisers have become quite skillful in achieving these goals of advertising. Consider the ad (from 2011) on the next slide. PRESENTATION TITLE 20
ppt/slides/slide21.xml
PRESENTATION TITLE 21
ppt/slides/slide22.xml
Is this stupid, or what?? These “angels” fall from heaven in search of a guy who is wearing Axe deodorant and, upon finding him, break their halos. As the young man applies the deodorant, the announcers states that “Even angels will fall.” The ad offers no good reasons for buying this product. How many ads are similar to this? No substance, just image; no real reasons to buy the product? PRESENTATION TITLE 22
ppt/slides/slide23.xml
Yes, it’s stupid, and yet effective. The ad is very clever, entertaining, dramatic, and visually appealing. It seems more like a short film than an ad. Note how it draws you in to the action as you – like the confused, surprised, shocked, amazed characters in the ad – try to figure out what is it falling from the sky and why. Also the setting of the Italian village and the epic-sounding music contribute to a sense of drama and wonder. Finally we learn the cause of the commotion, a guy wearing Axe deodorant. (Really??) As your critical thinking teacher, I am very embarrassed to admit that this commercial caused me to start buying Axe products, not because I had any illusions about “angels” falling from the sky, but because the ad is so clever and visually appealing. PRESENTATION TITLE 23
ppt/slides/slide24.xml
Traditional vs. Internet Advertising If advertising in traditional media (TV, radio, newspapers) can be very clever and sophisticated, Internet advertising has perfected techniques for targeting individuals who are most likely to buy a specific product. It’s important as an informed consumer to be aware of these targeting techniques. PRESENTATION TITLE 24
ppt/slides/slide25.xml
Political Advertising Political advertisements – and especially political attack ads --- are among the most clever and deceptive ads ever produced. Bear in mind that no political ad seeks accuracy, completeness, objectivity, or lack of bias. These ads have one goal and one goal only: to influence, persuade, and manipulate you to vote for a specific candidate. This is not to say that such ads are completely devoid of important information, but simply that critical thinkers will always recognize that ALL political ads oversimplify and distort the truth. Hence, critical thinkers will never look exclusively to political ads as a source for deciding how to vote. Targeting is especially prevalent in political advertising. If you receive political advertisements via email, social media, or while browing the Web, you can be sure these ads are targeted to your profile, i.e., the issues that will likely make you angry, fearful, resentful – emotions that will likely motivate you to action. Beware, the advertisers seek to manipulate you. PRESENTATION TITLE 25
ppt/slides/slide26.xml
Reasonable skepticism As was the case with the news media the best approach to advertising of all types is reasonable skepticism. This approach recognizes that advertisements can be informative and helpful but that you must never rely them exclusively in making your decisions about what to think and do. Never forget: advertising exists to influence, persuade, and manipulate you. PRESENTATION TITLE 26
ppt/slides/slide27.xml
Complete the following: Read Chapter 5 (Sections 5.1 , 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) in your electronic textbook. Earn at least 6 of 10 points on the Quiz. Submit a writing assignment. Contribute to the Discussion Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation 27
ppt/slides/slide28.xml
Good luck! Contact me via Canvas, at [email protected] or post your questions in the Q&A Discussion under the Welcome Module.
ppt/notesMasters/notesMaster1.xml
11/17/2025 Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level ‹#›
ppt/commentAuthors.xml
ppt/presProps.xml
ppt/viewProps.xml
ppt/theme/theme1.xml
ppt/media/image1.jpeg
ppt/tableStyles.xml
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout1.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master subtitle style 11/17/2025 ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout2.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout3.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout4.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout5.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level Click to edit Master text styles Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout6.xml
Click to edit Master title style 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout7.xml
11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout8.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout9.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click icon to add picture Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout10.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click icon to add picture Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout11.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout12.xml
“ ” Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout13.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout14.xml
“ ” Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout15.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout16.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout17.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles Second level Third level Fourth level Fifth level 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout18.xml
Click to edit Master title style Click to edit Master text styles 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout19.xml
Click to edit Master title style “ Click to edit Master text styles ” 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout20.xml
Click to edit Master title style Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/slideLayouts/slideLayout21.xml
Click to edit Master title style Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title Name Title 11/17/2025 Week 4 Intro: Media Manipulation ‹#›
ppt/theme/theme2.xml
ppt/notesSlides/notesSlide1.xml
7
