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Definition of Media and Society
The media is a means of mass communication with the influence to form and change public opinion.
Media today has the ability to influence the choices of money. Media is defined as the main means of mass communication, whether in the form of broadcasting, publishing, or the Internet. The influence of media in society is powerful and controlling because members of society that pose ideologies and create trends are what Noam Chomsky calls the "specialized class" in Media Control. Many individuals in today's society do not form opinions on their own but instead look to the media to guide them. The large spectrum of views that media present creates a division between people, each claiming the news that they consume is the truth. Because of this division and the impact that media has on people, media and society has become a topic that is discussed thoroughly today. This web page will further examine real-world examples regarding media and the impact on society that is created.
Media's Influence in Activism
Media is used in a positive light often, in regards to activism. This is shown below with Caitlin Bruce’s "The Balaclava as Affect Generator: Free Pussy Riot Protests and Transnational Iconicity" and Israel-Hamas war protests. The group named Pussy Riot protested of the Russian government and Orthodox Church through their performance at the altar of the Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow in February 2012. Pussy Riot's intentions were to protest against the “conservative anti-woman and anti-LGBT" standpoints of the government and church (Bruce 42). The group released a video of their protests and were promptly arrested as their video raised international interest, inspiring protests in New York City arguing against their incarceration. The ability of media to unite and bring awareness to all issues allows for international activism to create change. These protests, captured through many different forms of media, brought global attention to human rights issues in both Russia and globally, as well as free speech and artistic expression. The Pussy Riot protests served as a monumental step in the realm of artistic protests. More recently, Israel-Hamas conflict protests have been everywhere, from downtown streets to college campuses. These protests have taken both sides of the issue, some marching in support of Israel, and some for Palestine. On February 17th, 2024, approximately 250,000 people marched in London, England, demanding a cease-fire (Israel War on Gaza, np). Along with media capturing these protests, media was also used to spread awareness about the conflict. Many social media influencers have used their platform for good, providing facts and stories regarding the conflict. Using an audience for good shows the good side of social media, allowing for awareness to be spread to those who may not understand what is going on. Spreading awareness can be a catalyst for making change happen by empowering communities and individuals.
“Pussy Riot.” UCLA, newsroom.ucla.edu/file?fid=56b109ecbd26f52d200010ce. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.
Kirka, Danica, et al. “A Global Day of Protests Draws Thousands in Washington and Other Cities in Pro-Palestinian Marches.” AP News, AP News, 13 Jan. 2024, apnews.com/article/protest-gaza-israel-palestinians-london-29d5cd664c81654283344d1874691a4f.
Bias in Media
“The action of supporting or opposing a particular person or thing in an unfair way, because of allowing personal opinions to influence your judgment.”
Bias Against: there was clear evidence of a strong bias against her.
Bias Toward: There has always been a slight bias toward employing liberal arts graduates in the company.
Unconscious Bias: unconscious bias (a bias that an individual is unaware of) can influence decisions in recruitment, promotion, and performance management.
Media bias is the presentation of information in a way that shows the publishers’ own beliefs or ideologies rather than presenting objective facts. Bias can be presented in many different ways within the media. The selection of stories and presentation of information can significantly shape the public’s understanding of current events. One of the most harmful effects of media bias is the drastic influence on public opinion. Biased media coverage often leads to distorted perceptions of the truth, as many individuals today may create their beliefs based on incomplete or biased information. This can lead to great political division as many people are becoming more engrossed in their own opinions and less open to different perspectives. Media bias can also create trends where the same information is being portrayed repeatedly, reinforcing the false narrative and further dividing our society. Credibility in media is essential for an unbiased and informed society. This is becoming increasingly evident as the media is the most influential information form for our present-day society. When news sources in the media illustrate bias, they risk losing the trust and credibility of their audience. In recent years, with the overload in content within the media, distinguishing fact from opinion has become increasingly difficult for users. The lack of credibility throughout the internet as a whole erodes the overall credibility and accountability of journalism in the media. An important step in identifying more media biases is actively seeking out and engaging with different perspectives. Consumption of content from sources with differing viewpoints can reveal unnoticed biases in one’s beliefs, promoting a balanced understanding of the issues at hand. Rather than relying solely on a media outlet, readers should find multiple sources and compare the differences in the language and phrases utilized. Becoming accustomed to identifying these biases is paramount as a reader and writer within the media to identify false narratives and eliminate biases from the writer’s work. Correct word selection is very important as the usage of specific words and metaphors can create unintended biases. For example, using the metaphor "storming the capitol" in a headline implies violent aggression, while "gathering at the capitol to voice opposition" presents a more neutral tone, shaping the reader's perception of the event. Another aspect to keep in mind is the location and positioning of certain phrases to emphasize a point. For example, the usage of certain points at the end of an article usually emphasizes the importance of the points the writer presents. Maintaining an understanding of the importance of these biases will not only help your writing but will also help as a reader in identifying the truths within the media. In conclusion, media bias has greatly affected society by shaping the public’s opinion, reducing trust, and influencing political and social facets of our society.
Political Bias in Media
Political Bias in Media
Political bias is in the contexts where impartiality, balance, and/or objectivity are normative (in particular in public service broadcast news reporting and political interviews), a perceived tendency to favor or disfavor a particular political party, candidate, or policy reflected in selection and/or presentation. This chart shows how each of these popular news outlets fits on a political spectrum. When watching the news, individuals need to understand that not everything seen is worth believing. This chart is here to serve as a reminder for students to be aware of bias that can fill the news, while also being legitimately used to see a specific source’s bias. Political bias can also cloud the objectivity of reporting. Instead of objectively presenting facts, allowing audiences to form their own opinions, biased media outlets may choose to selectively report the way they receive stories in order to fit a certain narrative. This is harmful when the stories are twisted negatively because “bad media” can destroy people and brands. Bias in the media can also reinforce certain narratives or stereotypes that may not accurately reflect reality. For example, if there is a news outlet consistently painting certain groups of people in a negative light, it can further contribute to the perpetuation of those stereotypes with so many people seeing what gets posted. As these biased portrayals become repetitive, they are more common throughout society, creating a difficult barrier to overcome when trying to change stereotypes. This is what leads to increased prejudice and discrimination.
Media in the Form of Propaganda
Propaganda is defined as specially designed media that is used to promote or influence public perception in favor of a specific agenda.
Propaganda promotes particular ideas and reinforces the current ideas certain groups of individuals have regarding a particular issue or ideology. An important fact to consider is that not every persuasive piece of media is considered propaganda. Instead, propaganda is defined as a form of media that has a few specific attributes. Sheryl Ross through her analysis of understanding propaganda describes that media "must be aimed at a group" and must be "appealing to emotions" of the specific group the message targets in order to be classified as propaganda (20). Additionally, Ross furthers her classification of propaganda explaining that "propaganda is an epistemically defective message used with the intention to persuade a socially significant group" with epistemically defective being defined as "false statements, bad arguments, immoral commands as well as inapt metaphors (and other literary tropes)" (23-24). Essentially a piece of media is only considered propaganda if it appeals to a specific group by using emotions to promote an argument that consists of either a moral errors, defective argument, or untrue statements. Propaganda utilizes emotionally manipulative techniques to promote a prejudiced perspective and emotionally convince a population's beliefs to resemble their own underlying intentions. Propaganda can be dangerous as media aimed to emotionally affect and hurt people can result in physically or verbally violent behaviors towards targeted antagonists. Recognition of the techniques that propagandist media uses to persuade and control the emotions of a population is crucial towards assessing the veridicality of potential sources to use in argumentative writing. Understanding whether a document is propaganda is an important step in evaluating the credibility and application of a document into the cornerstone assignments of the class.
Example of Analysis of a Propaganda Piece:
One noticeable example of recent propaganda is how Russia has used the "Z" symbol during its invasion of Ukraine. At first, people only saw this letter painted on Russian military vehicles. After a while, it started appearing on T-shirts, on buildings, and on cars. The Russian government promoted the “Z” as a sign of patriotism and pride, according to a BBC article (BBC News). Propaganda usually works by shaping how people see an issue, often by making things seem simpler than they really are. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is very complicated, with a long history and many different points of view. But the “Z” symbol cuts all that complexity down to one main idea: support Russia. By using this symbol, the government doesn’t need to explain the war in detail. Instead, they encourage people to accept the symbol as a sign of loyalty. Experts say that when a single image or phrase is repeated a lot, people start to see it as more valid-this is sometimes called the "illusion of truth." Because the “Z” keeps showing up in news reports, on clothing and even in official statements. Russian citizens simply absorb the message as fact without carefully questioning it. This repetition makes it harder for other ideas to even enter the conversation. Another important part of propaganda is how it focuses on emotions. Instead of offering detailed arguments, it makes people feel proud or sometimes even afraid. When people wear or display the “Z,” they feel like loyal citizens. If they don’t, others could see them as unpatriotic. The BBC points out that some businesses felt pressured to show the “Z,” which shows how the government uses it to push conformity and reduce open disagreement (BBC News). On social media, the “Z” also became a trending hashtag, spread by government supporters and influencers. Because these platforms reach huge audiences so fast, the symbol went viral almost instantly. This quick spread makes it tough for critics or independent reporters to share other views, since the “Z” dominates the conversation. People who disagree have a harder time finding a space to speak out. Social pressure is also a big factor. Once the “Z” became common, anyone not using it might be viewed with suspicion. This situation can make people stay silent if they have doubts, allowing propaganda to spread even further. If people feel pushed to follow the crowd, it becomes much harder for other opinions to emerge. Finally, the “Z” symbol highlights how social media boosts modern propaganda. In the past, propaganda was mostly spread through posters and TV. Now, TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram let symbols like “Z” go viral quickly. This means the government’s message can reach millions of people in no time, overpowering different viewpoints. Overall, the “Z” symbol in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine shows how propaganda works today. It simplifies a complex situation, appeals to emotions, relies on social pressure, and spreads rapidly through the internet. Seeing examples like this helps us understand how powerful propaganda can be and reminds us to think carefully about the media messages we encounter.
In the Context of Anti-Chinese Rhetoric Amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic
The use of propaganda is seen as a way of radicalizing the masses.
One of the most contemporary examples of propaganda most relative to Gen Z who will be taking this class is the process of blame and oppression against Asian-Americans, specifically the Chinese, during the Covid-19 pandemic. To fully express the extent of this malevolence, 32% of Asians during this time said they personally knew another Asian person who experienced any sort of aggression due to Covid-related circumstances (Ruiz et al. np). During this time, government officials across the world quickly began blaming Asian countries like China, encouraging anti-Asian rhetoric and themes. They made speeches and statements that promoted xenophobic, white-supremacist, anti-foreigner messages that created huge public unrest. This was rapidly boosted by the media, to the point where one could find multiples of articles targeting such demographics without any concern for the harm it might be doing. The propaganda created by these outlets was one of the key factors in the massive unrest in America during the pandemic. People felt unsafe in their homes, American turned against American. Minorities were targeted even more than they were before. It turned violent, there were instances in which innocent families had their homes gunned down. However, one of the most notable examples of the propaganda that caused this is the fact that America’s own president, Donald Trump, made xenophobic statements supporting the hate. He called the coronavirus the “kung flu” (Itkowitz), an insensitive and completely ignorant statement that further expressed support for racism in America. These examples convey the negative effects of propaganda, and how easily it can be manipulated, and manipulate the minds of the public. Propaganda is carefully structured to influence a target audience and promote a specific idea. By being specific, the sole purpose of propaganda is to influence public perception and create a mode of thinking that is common among a group of individuals that have the potential to come together and cause positive or negative change.
“Donald Trump calls coronavirus ‘kung flu’ again.” YouTube, uploaded by Evening Standard, June 24 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7isyt5qldw
In Context of Midst Presidential Campaign Race
Propaganda during the Content Creator Movement
Media in society looks vastly different today than in previous years. The rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat has given ordinary individuals the power to share their ideas and opinions with the world without oversight or fact-checking. As a result, people’s perspectives on key issues can be heavily skewed based on the media they consume. For instance, Joe Rogan, a former UFC color commentator and TV host, now runs “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the world’s largest podcast. His show regularly features high-profile guests, including former President Donald Trump, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and well-known entertainers like Bill Murray and Adam Sandler. As of March 2024, Rogan’s podcast boasts an astounding 14.5 million listeners per episode, a number that rivals the audience size of major political events like the State of the Union, which drew approximately 33.6 million viewers (King np). The influence of his platform highlights a fundamental shift in how information is disseminated where a single content creator can rival or even surpass traditional media in reach and impact.
This shift in media consumption raises pressing concerns, particularly regarding the political opinions of citizens. In today's digital landscape, people can seek out content that aligns with their preexisting beliefs on virtually any subject be it politics, conspiracy theories, or sports. In an ideal world, this would foster open dialogue and growth, allowing individuals to engage with diverse perspectives. However, the reality is more complex. Misinformation spreads rapidly on platforms like Twitter and Reddit, often fueled by fake news and politically motivated narratives. Studies show that individuals with extreme right-wing or left-wing leanings are disproportionately likely to gather their information from unreliable sources (Pennycook). The rise of content creators has allowed extremists on both ends of the political spectrum to build online echo chambers insulated communities that reinforce misinformation, distort reality, and deepen divisions in society. Unlike traditional media, which is at least somewhat regulated, social media lacks the same safeguards, making it easier for misleading narratives to gain traction.
As social media becomes increasingly embedded in the political landscape, the United States has struggled to establish laws to regulate it effectively. Maintaining its adherence to capitalist neo-liberalism, the American economy allows private companies to control most major news outlets. Even mainstream media sources, which once served as gatekeepers of information, have been caught spreading biased misinformation Fox News aligning with the Republican Party and CNN favoring the Democrats (Vu np). The modern media environment has amplified political polarization, fostering distrust not only between citizens but also between the public and the institutions that govern them. With misinformation so deeply entrenched in both traditional and digital media, navigating truth in the political sphere has become more difficult than ever.
"Joe Rogan say Kamala Harris 'NAILED IT' " Youtube, uploaded by Daily Wire, Sept 17 2024, https://youtube.com/shorts/o08iegMLj5M?si=-G7SeTsjqSH-w9ZH
Connection to Course Material
Once again in Noam Chomsky's book, Media Control, Chomsky describes those that put forth knowledge and ideas as the small group of the specialized class that carries out the executive function while the other large majority is the "bewildered herd" (16). The "bewildered herd" can be compared to the radicalized public influenced by the anti-Chinese and xenophobic rhetoric of government officials and the president during the pandemic. Considering Chomsky's description of the "bewildered herd" is crucial to understanding the interdependent role that online propaganda and media have in creating a group of individuals that follow a set of ideas that have been carefully crafted and selected to bring about change. Propaganda can be utilized for positive or negative change. While the initial purpose of propaganda can be determined by those producing and promoting particular messages and ideologies, the individuals receiving and interacting with the propaganda also have the potential to determine how to respond to such propaganda. It is important to understand the effects of propaganda so as to comprehend the influence those in higher power can have against the public.
Applications for Cornerstone Assignments
The first assigned essay within the course is the “Argument of Fact” essay which argues a controversial topic of choice and presents arguments surrounding the topic to support or disprove perceptions of the “fact”. Media spreading misconceptions can be addressed to correct misinformation on the writer’s topic and media can be used to explain the controversy of the topic and why both sides have their respective beliefs, especially how media has formed them. Media portrayal of the topic can be key to the public's acceptance or disapproval which should be addressed.
The second assigned essay, “Argument of Cause”, discusses the causes and effects within a topic of choice, the influence of media can contribute to this cause-effect relationship as popular outlook on a subject can create change negatively and positively. The media's portrayal of a situation can create direct effects on the circumstance, for example public approval or disapproval can create or decreasing funding and allow bills to be passed and legislation to be changed. Additionally, the examination of public opinion as shared through media and how the opinion of the public changes and forms because of media can be delved into.
Within both assigned essays, the utilization of media for social protests can be discussed as media does not only bring awareness to a topic but also is used as a form of organization to unite populations to promote social change as well as the use of propaganda to promote certain political agendas. Understanding the essential components of writing arguments such as the assertion of a claim while providing valid evidence to support a perspective is beneficial towards cognizance of the same methods utilized by the media. Argumentative writing requires the evaluation of multiple perspectives and evidence, and a resource informing student about these analytical attributes enhances persuasive abilities and critical evaluation of sources and ideologies. Comprehension of the strategies used by persuasive media materials such as propaganda mentioned previously is beneficial towards both improvement of argumentative writing when implemented, as well as critical evaluation of societal problems. The capability to decipher the effects that the media has on societal beliefs and trends allows for an equitable argument without additionally spreading misinformation and perpetuating stereotypes. Student recognition and comprehension of the manipulation that society endures from the possibly biased perspectives of the media is crucial for utilizing analytical reasoning and forming independent opinions rather than uncritically following the suggestions of others exemplified by the public. Researching propaganda within a subject can help dissipate existing bias and creating a more neutral, educational academic essay. Exploring connections between media, society within the writer's topic can demonstrate the extent to which the writer understands their topic and help clearly communicate the complex relations and how those relations affect society.
Works Cited
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