Latest

Disinformation vs. Misinformation: A Psychological Primer

-
Image
Produced for @empowervmedia Edited & fact-checked by @jorgebscomm Emotions such as fear and outrage make us more susceptible to false news.   (📷:universityofcambridge) B efore diving into psychology, we must define our terms .  Misinformation  is misleading or false information that is spread, regardless of intent . It covers everything from honest mistakes to urban legends. In contrast, disinformation  is a form of misinformation that is created and shared on purpose  to mislead or manipulate people . In practice, experts often consider disinformation as a subset of misinformation, because it can be hard to know the originator’s intent . For example, a viral hoax about a miracle cure might be pure misinformation (someone misunderstood a fact), while an organised campaign spreading false health scares to sow panic would be disinformation. In either case, the core problem is that the information is false and can have harmful effects on people and society . ...
Post a Comment

Communication and Media Theories: Shaping South Australian Education

-
Communication and media studies are disciplines deeply rooted in theory. The theories underpinning this field not only shape the academic landscape but also influence the way we perceive and engage with media in our daily lives. In South Australia, where the education system reflects the broader evolution of media, understanding these theories is paramount.

Communication and Media Theories: Shaping South Australian Education

The Historical Significance:

South Australia's journey through media education mirrors the global transformation of media. As print newspapers, radio, and television gave way to digital platforms, the theoretical frameworks that had long guided educators adapted as well. These theories provide a historical context for students, offering insights into how media has evolved and the role it plays in contemporary society.

"Understanding media theories empowers students to become critical thinkers in a media-saturated world." — Neil Postman

Key Theories and Their Relevance:

1. Agenda-Setting Theory: In media and communication classrooms, this theory is pivotal. It helps students comprehend that media doesn't dictate what to think but influences what issues to consider. Understanding this theory equips students with media literacy skills that are vital in a world of information overload.

2. Uses and Gratifications Theory: Educators recognize that media is not a passive force. This theory empowers students to understand that individuals actively select media to fulfil their needs, whether for information, entertainment, or social interaction. In the age of digital media, this theory helps bridge the gap between media consumption and user agency.

3. Cultivation Theory: In an era when media permeates every aspect of our lives, this theory's relevance cannot be overstated. Students of media and communications learn that prolonged exposure to media shapes perceptions of reality. It sparks critical discussions about how media narratives can influence social beliefs and behaviours.

4. Semiotics: Universities introduce students to semiotics, the study of signs and symbols in media. This theory equips them with tools to decode and interpret media messages, fostering media literacy and analytical skills. It's a bridge between theory and practice, enabling students to navigate the increasingly complex language of media.


The Pedagogical Approach:

Media education integrate these theories into the curriculum, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic media landscape. Rather than teaching media in isolation, they utilize theoretical frameworks to promote critical thinking, media literacy, and ethical decision-making.

Introduction to Media Studies

"In the world of media and communication, theories are the lenses through which we view our evolving reality." — Marshall McLuhan

Theories are the compass in the ever-changing seas of communication and media. They empower students to navigate the complexities of media, from understanding the priorities of news agendas to critically evaluating the impact of media on our lives. By studying these theories, students are not just consumers of media; they become informed, discerning, and active participants in our media-driven world.

★★★★★
Location: Australia

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular

Effective Communication in Healthcare Settings: Building Trust and Improving Patient Outcomes

-
Image
@jorgebscomm for @empowervmedia * FACT CHECKED ✅ E ffective communication in healthcare settings is not simply a matter of conveying medical information. It's the cornerstone of building trust with patients, fostering collaboration, and ultimately, improving patient outcomes. This article explores the importance of communication in healthcare, drawing on evidence-based research and practical strategies to enhance communication skills for both healthcare providers and patients.   Effective communication in healthcare settings is the cornerstone of building trust with patients. (📷 wtcs ) The High Cost of Communication Breakdown Studies by The University of Arizona highlight the significant impact of communication breakdowns in healthcare. These breakdowns can lead to medical errors, patient dissatisfaction, and increased healthcare costs. Additionally, evidence shows that poor communication between doctors and nurses is a major reason why hospitalised patients experience complicat...
More »

Doomscrolling, Information Overload, and Societal Anxiety: A Critical Analysis

-
Image
Produced by @jorgebscomm for @empowervmedia * FACT-CHECKED ✅  Digital media has reshaped not only how we access information but also how we experience time and meaning in our constantly connected world.   (📷:progressive-charlestown) In the analogue era, clocks and other time-keeping devices carried a narrative rhythm; a visible arc that gave people a palpable sense of time passing. Today’s digital clocks, by contrast, lack a fluid narrative, presenting time in stark, static figures. This shift symbolically mirrors our current digital media environment, where the absence of narrative progression leads many to feel as though history or our future is abruptly ending. The sudden, disjunctive experience of digital time creates an emotional vacuum that some interpret as apocalyptic, pushing individuals toward the belief that everything is collapsing around them. Studies indicate that narrative deficits in digital interfaces contribute to user disorientation and heightened anxiety ...
More »

Inside the Web of Hate: How Misogynistic Ideologies Thrive in Online Spaces

-
Image
Produced by @epowervmedia * FACT-CHECKED by @jorgebscomm ✅  Online platforms have become fertile ground for the spread of violent and misogynistic ideologies.   (📷:leonel-houssam) The internet’s promise of open discourse has been undermined by the proliferation of anti‑women spaces, where misogynistic and violent rhetoric thrives. From large social networks like X-Twitter and Facebook to niche forums (e.g., “incel” communities), users share dehumanising narratives that normalise aggression toward women and marginalised genders . These platforms often lack robust moderation, allowing hate speech to flourish unchecked . Studies reveal that sexist harassment is now one of the most pervasive forms of online abuse on Web 2.0, outpacing even racial or religious hate speech . This digital hate often spills into real‑world violence, as seen in assaults influenced by extremist misogynistic groups . 'Meet an Incel' ▶️58s Ideological Underpinnings ‘Involuntary celibates’ or “incels...
More »