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Media Diet Infographics
Media Diet Infographics
In this project, students become media analysts and storytellers of their own lives. Over a 24-hour period, they collect data on everything they watch, read, and scroll through, then transform it into a visually engaging infographic that maps the diversity and representation within their media diets. Each student’s final piece reflects a personal narrative—revealing how their daily media choices mirror broader cultural forces and communication systems. Through this creative process, students produce thoughtful, data-driven visual works and gain deeper awareness of how journalism and entertainment shape their worldviews and sense of social responsibility.
This webpage features a selection of student projects from my J162: Mass Media in Multicultural America course (Spring 2024). These works are shared with the students' permission. To request access to the full collection, please contact me at yiming.wang@wisc.edu.
Francesca Dowd:
"Through analyzing my 24-hour media diet, I discovered how deeply my daily media choices shape who I am. Social media, in particular, connects me to diverse voices and minority perspectives that I might never encounter otherwise. Seeing global issues and personal stories directly in my feed—from friends’ posts to global campaigns like the 15% Pledge—helped me realize that representation in media isn’t abstract; it’s personal. This project made me more aware of how my media habits influence my worldview and inspired me to seek out more inclusive and intentional sources."
Ethan Kaufman:
"Before this project, I rarely noticed how narrow my media habits were. Analyzing my media diet made me realize how much I was missing—voices from marginalized communities, global perspectives, and creators outside the mainstream. By following outlets like The Chicago Defender and Out Magazine, I began to see stories that felt more personal and inclusive. Visual and audio storytelling, from films like Everything Everywhere All at Once to podcasts sharing lived experiences, helped me understand the power of diverse media to challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. This project completely changed how I engage with news and entertainment—I now seek out difference rather than comfort."
Eli Steinberg:
"This project helped me recognize how limited my media habits were—and how much I was missing. Most of what I consumed came from voices similar to my own, so I intentionally began seeking out new perspectives through outlets like Global Voices and TED Talks, which highlight stories from marginalized communities. I also explored documentaries such as Stamped from the Beginning and Children of the Mist, which deepened my understanding of race, culture, and inequality. By consciously diversifying my media diet, I’ve learned to approach news and storytelling with greater empathy, curiosity, and global awareness."
Mia Rodriguez:
"Social media has become my main source of news and connection—and through this project, I realized how powerful it can be in preserving cultural heritage and amplifying diverse voices. By reflecting on my own media habits, I saw how platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow people from different backgrounds to share stories, traditions, and values that shape global understanding. Creating this infographic helped me appreciate how representation in media—especially on social media—can foster empathy, inclusivity, and cross-cultural awareness in today’s connected world."
Noopur Patel:
"Through analyzing my media habits, I realized that platforms like Instagram and TikTok expose me to a rich mix of South Asian, East Asian, and Southeast Asian creators whose posts broaden my understanding of different cultures and traditions. Yet, I also noticed how algorithms can both diversify and limit my perspectives—offering repeated voices within similar content streams. As an Indian-American, this reflection helped me see how much representation still matters; while I learn from global creators, I also hope to see more people like myself gaining visibility and shaping conversations online."
All student projects are the intellectual property of their respective authors and are used here for educational and illustrative purposes with permission.
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