Media Literacy Skill Manual

Writing Assignment #4: Induction and Social Media Algorithms

Breyanna Williams

IDS3309

Florida International University

July 8th, 2024

Mass media and social media corporations use the induction algorithm, a powerful tool that shapes and influences industry and individual audience opinions. These businesses are able to influence public opinion and behavior by targeting particular audience segments with their advertising and content by identifying patterns and drawing conclusions from them.

Monitoring consumer behavior and preferences is one method used by social media and mainstream media organizations to employ induction. Social media companies, for example, utilize algorithms to examine user interactions—likes, shares, and comments—to ascertain the kind of content that users are most likely to connect with. Users are subsequently served material and ads that are more likely to resonate with them based on the information provided. Users are therefore more likely to see content that supports their values and worldviews, which may serve to further solidify their preexisting opinions.

Through constructing a narrative around a specific problem or subject, the induction method can also be used to sway the opinions of the audience. For instance, a business can utilize its algorithm to favor news or articles that support its own objectives while downplaying or disregarding those that present an alternative perspective. This may lead to a distorted picture of reality that affects how people think and makes decisions. In her TED talk, Yaël Eisenstat, a former Facebook employee and CIA analyst, cautioned that "lies are more engaging online than truth" (Eisenstat, 2020). Filter bubbles and bias can also be sustained by the application of induction methods. Users may experience an echo chamber effect where they are only exposed to material that supports their own opinions due to algorithms that are built to give preference to particular kinds of content or users over others. Users may find it challenging to overcome their own prejudices and access a variety of viewpoints as a result.

Moreover, content uniformity may result from a dependence on algorithms. As algorithms becoming more complex, they can give more weight to information that will engage users than to high-quality or educational content. The growth of sensationalized news articles and clickbait headlines may result from this, undermining the authority of news sources and eroding public confidence in institutions.

In conclusion, mass media and social media businesses can create and shape industry and audience perceptions by utilizing the induction algorithm, which is a potent instrument. Although it has the power to influence public opinion and behavior, bias, filter bubbles, and the standardization of content are some of the issues it brings up. People must take action to vary their internet sources and viewpoints and be conscious of the ways in which algorithms are utilized to affect their online experiences.

References:

· Singh, C. (2024). Understanding Social Media Algorithm 2024 Complete Guide. Social Pilot.co.

· Rainie, L., & Anderson, J. (2017). Code-Dependent: Pros and Cons of the Algorithm Age. Pew Research Center.

· Eisenstat, Y. (2020). Dear Facebook, this is how you’re breaking democracy. TED2020.

Writing Assignment #3: Media History Interview

Breyanna Williams

IDS 3309

Prof. Christina Trinh

Florida International University

July 7th, 2024

The Impact of Technology on Society: A Comparative Analysis

The advent of technology has essentially changed the way we live, work, and communicate. Examining viewpoints from specific generations can offer us with precious records as we learn the way technological improvements are impacting society. This study will interview individuals aged 60 or older to explore their experiences with the impact of technology on their lives. I will compare and contrast my life with the life of my interviewee using the grouping skill of media literacy, making links to the readings and videos for this week.

Similarities between my Interviewee and I:

We both have used various technologies to communicate with others. My interviewee shared experiences with family radio listening, while I grew up with cell phones and social media. This demonstrates how technology has enabled us to connect with others across distances. We both have also experienced improvements in media quality over time, with my interviewee noting better sound quality with stereo systems and me enjoying enhanced video quality with high-definition TV and streaming services. Moreover, we have both adapted to new technologies as they emerged, such as computers, VCRs, and DVD players.

Differences between my Interviewee and I:

· Generation: Compared to the interviewee's youth, I was raised with more sophisticated technologies, such as social media, smartphones, and the internet. Our experiences have been shaped differently by the disparity in our exposure to technology.

· Cultural background: I grew up with a plethora of channels and streaming services, while my interviewee lived at an era when television was still a relatively new invention. Our viewing habits and tastes for entertainment have been impacted by this shift in cultural background.

· Digital literacy: Compared to my interviewee's youth, I have had more access to digital literacy materials and knowledge, which has given me the confidence to use digital technologies.

Conclusion

This comparison study clearly shows that technology has had a significant impact on our lives, regardless of our age or era. Our experiences with technology are comparable in that we can use better quality media and adjust to new ones, but we also change because of our various cultural upbringings and exposure to different technical eras.

Data from the Pew Research Center, which exhibit how older human beings' use of technology has multiplied during the last 10 years, are used to support this declare (Pew Research Center, 2022). Similarly, research at the hyperconnected lives of millennials well-known shows them to be short-witted, internet-savvy multitaskers.

This analysis highlights the effects of technology on our lives and how it may evolve in the future, showing how media literacy can reveal generational traits and styles.

References:

Pew Research Center. (2012). Millennials will advantage and suffer due to their hyperconnected lives. Retrieved from https://www.Pewresearch.Org/reality-tank/2012/02/29/millennials-will-advantage-and-suffer-due-to-their-hyperconnected-lives/

Pew Research Center. (2022). Share of those sixty five and older who're tech customers has grown within the beyond decade. Retrieved from https://www.Pewresearch.Org/fact-tank/2022/01/thirteen/share-of-the ones-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-beyond-decade/

Writing Assignment #2: Evaluating the Effects of Media Messages

Breyanna Williams

IDS 3099

Florida International University

June 26, 2024

Title: The Power of Agenda Setting in Shaping Public Opinion: A Case Study of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Theory: Agenda Setting Theory

Introduction

In this task, I will find out how Agenda Setting Theory has formed public opinion and notion inside the route of the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea indicates that the media performs a substantial role in determining what problems are taken into consideration essential and setting the agenda for public discussion.

Agenda Setting Theory proposes that the media play a crucial function in figuring out what we preserve in mind essential and what we forget about. According to this theory, the media selectively emphasize certain troubles, thereby setting the time table for public discussion and debate. This has terrific implications for the way we replicate on consideration at the problems which is probably provided to us via the media. In this paper, we're able to observe the function of Agenda Setting Theory in shaping public opinion throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Literature Review

McCombs and Shaw (1972) posit that agenda putting theory explains how the media can shape public opinion even when people disagree with the messages being conveyed. This is due to the fact humans rely heavily at the media for statistics, and how we pick out to devour media can shape our opinions. The media became crucial in influencing public opinion and setting up the schedule for public discourse all through the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, severa information retailers emphasized the seriousness of the virus and the need of avoiding touch with human beings and donning masks for the duration of the early tiers of the pandemic (Katz & Rice, 2017). The public felt frightened and under pressure as a result, which increased support for these policies. On the other hand, government actions to the pandemic and other significant concerns like economic stimulus plans attracted less attention (Pew Research Center, 2020).

Analysis

In my own experience, I have seen how agenda setting theory played out during the epidemic. For example, when cases were increasing in my area, the local media emphasized the importance of vaccination and following public health guidelines. This sparked community concern and encouraged more people to take action. On social media, hashtags like #MaskUp and #StaySafe became vast, expressing the general public's demand that people take private obligation for their own protection.

However, I also found that some individuals and groups are suspicious of official reporting and have politicized the mask (Keefer & Wilson, 2020). This demonstrates how the institutional arrangement principle can lead to a lack of critical thinking and the dispersion of public opinion.

Conclusion

In end, agenda-placing theory performed a critical function in shaping public opinion all through the COVID-19 pandemic. By selectively supplying statistics and highlighting positive issues, journalists set the schedule for public dialogue and debate. As customers of information, it is vital to be aware about coverage established order issues and to assess the statistics provided to us through the media.

Reference:

Agenda-Setting Dynamics during COVID-19: Who Leads and Who Follows?

Šķestere & Darģis

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/12/556

Agenda-Setting for COVID-19: A Study of Large-Scale Economic News Coverage Using Natural Language Processing - International Journal of Data Science and Analytics

Lu et al.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41060-022-00364-7

Mental Health in the New Normal: Shaping Our COVID Stories

Wernicke

https://www.ted.com/talks/dr_rachel_wernicke_mental_health_in_the_new_normal_shaping_our_covid_stories?trigger=0s

Affective agenda dynamics on social media: interactions of emotional content posted by the public, government, and media during the COVID-19 pandemic

Zhou et al.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-023-02265-x

Writing Assignment #1: News Analysis: Focusing on the "How"

Breyanna Williams

IDS 3309

Florida International University

June 26, 2024

Accuracy and impartiality are vital for pleasant reporting within the news industry. The Miami Herald, WPLG Local 10 News, and NPR are the 3 media stores tested in this assessment for his or her coverage of the 2020 South Florida typhoon season. The recognition is at the "how" element in media insurance, examining angles, language, assets, and framing utilized by each outlet. This evaluation facilitates recognize how information is built and provided, influencing our perceptions of occasions. It also emphasizes the significance of media literacy in navigating the complex records panorama and making informed choices approximately data consumption. The assessment of media coverage of the 2020 South Florida Hurricane Season calls for cautious attention of angles, language, assets, and framing used by every outlet.

The Miami Herald: The Miami Herald's insurance of the storm season was characterized by using its local cognizance and emphasis at the human effect of the storms. By which includes charges from nearby residents, emergency responders, and scientists, the Herald become capable of offer a contextualized and relatable angle at the activities. The use of private tales and eyewitness accounts helped to humanize the narrative, making it greater attractive and emotionally resonant for readers. Additionally, the Herald's in-intensity evaluation of the technological know-how at the back of the hurricanes supplied a broader understanding of the environmental elements at play.

WPLG Local 10 News: WPLG Local 10 News, as a neighborhood tv information outlet, approached the insurance of the typhoon season with a sense of immediacy and urgency. Through live reviews, on-the-ground footage, and interviews with nearby officers, the station turned into capable of provide actual-time updates and facts to its target audience. By focusing at the on the spot aftermath of every typhoon, Local 10 News became capable of keep visitors informed and engaged with growing information memories. The station's visual storytelling and dynamic reporting fashion contributed to a greater visceral and impactful presentation of the events.

National Public Radio (NPR): NPR's countrywide insurance of the hurricane season presented a broader and greater analytical attitude on the events. By exploring the intersection of weather exchange, social justice, and authorities reaction, NPR delved into the systemic troubles underlying natural failures. Through professional interviews, information-driven reporting, and in-depth analysis portions, NPR provided a complete expertise of the bigger implications of the hurricane season. The station's consciousness on broader traits and lengthy-time period affects brought a layer of complexity and depth to the coverage.

Comparative Analysis

When comparing the coverage of the equal event via special media shops, it becomes evident that each outlet has its personal precise method and priorities. The Miami Herald's emphasis on local perspectives and medical analysis catered to its readership's hobby in community effect and environmental problems. WPLG Local 10 News's awareness on instantaneous reporting and visual storytelling aligned with its role as a neighborhood news station turning in up-to-the-minute updates to its target audience. NPR's country wide angle and analytical method served to contextualize the typhoon season within broader social, political, and environmental contexts, appealing to a more nationally-oriented and intellectually curious audience.

Importance of Media Literacy

This comparative evaluation underscores the importance of media literacy in expertise how news is provided, shaped, and disseminated throughout specific structures. By significantly evaluating the "how" aspect in media insurance, clients can expand a greater discerning eye in the direction of statistics resources, biases, and framing strategies. Being privy to the diverse ways wherein news outlets approach and cover events can empower individuals to navigate the media panorama more efficiently and make informed decisions approximately the facts they devour.

In end, by means of examining and analyzing the insurance of the 2020 South Florida Hurricane Season by means of three various media retailers, we will gain treasured insights into the multiple perspectives, priorities, and methods that shape the dissemination of information and records. This workout now not most effective highlights the nuances of media insurance but also underscores the importance of media literacy in deciphering and engaging with the news. Through an important analysis of media insurance, consumers can grow to be extra aware and empowered participants within the media ecosystem.

Reference:

Brasileiro, A. (August 6, 2020). With the first-class forecast ever, up to twenty-five named storms, storm season can also get busier. Miami Journal. https://www.Miamiherald.Com/statistics/weather/typhoon/article244764552.Html

Harris, A. (November 2020). The "insane" storm season of 2020 is officially completed. Is it a portent of factors to come? Miami Herald.

Norcross, B. (June 2020). Officially, Hurricane Season 2020 starts off evolved within the Gulf with an area to take a look at. News from Local 10.

G. Allen (2020, Nov. 30). [Radio broadcast] Too many storms, now not sufficient names. NPR Morning Edition.