That’s a great point! Influencers and public figures are constantly walking a tightrope with their posts. The impact of one misstep can be huge, not only damaging their reputation but also resulting in deplatforming. It really shows the power and risk of media in today’s world. #UWJ201 #301

The greatest advantage journalists have over AI is their ability to bring human insight, ethics, and empathy to a story. While AI can process data quickly, it lacks the nuanced understanding of context, culture, and emotional depth that human journalists provide. #UWJ201 #301

In Wednesday's lecture, we discussed deplatforming, its impact on social media, and how newsworthiness influences platforming decisions. We also touched on Section 230 and content moderation's effectiveness in reducing fake news. How does deplatforming affect online communities? #UWJ201 #301

Totally agree! Some persuasion tactics walk a fine ethical line, especially when they exploit emotion or urgency. Transparency and media literacy feel like key parts of the solution, but it’s tricky when profit is the main goal. #UWJ201 #301

Great question! I think the peripheral route has more impact, especially on fast-paced platforms like TikTok where users aren’t fully engaged. Quick visuals, emotion, and social proof often shape behavior more than deep thinking. #UWJ201 #301

Wednesday's lecture introduced the Elaboration Likelihood Model. There are two paths to persuasion: central (deep thinking, lasting change) and peripheral (distraction, emotion, short-term). If most persuasion happens when we aren’t fully focused, what does that mean for beliefs online? #UWJ201 #301

“News finds me” people often rely on more passive exposure (like headlines on social media) rather than seeking out full stories. This makes them more vulnerable to misinformation and less likely to fact-check, which can fuel conspiratorial thinking. #UWJ201 #301

I think loss of trust often comes from repeated exposure to government scandals, inconsistent messaging, or lack of transparency. Social media can amplify distrust too, especially when misinformation spreads faster than corrections. #UWJ201 #301

According to today's lecture, those who trust the government the most are least likely to fall for conspiracy theories. But with false claims and the spread of misinformation becoming more and more common and the spiral of silence in play, are people too afraid to correct them? #UWJ201 #301

Yes, Mean World Syndrome fuels distrust by skewing reality through sensationalized news. Fear-driven coverage and polarization make the world seem more dangerous, eroding trust in media. #UWJ201 #301

In Wednesday's lecture, we learned that TV shapes our worldview -- heavy viewers overestimate crime, adopt traditional roles, and mirror TV’s biases. Does today’s fragmented media still centralize storytelling? How do frames/TV mold our reality? #UWJ201 #301

Media literacy and diverse representation can help challenge TV-driven assumptions. While TV influences perceptions, intentional shifts in content creation and consumption can gradually reshape narratives. #UWJ201 #301

Framing always carries perspective, and even neutrality is a choice. Issues themselves aren’t neutral; they’re shaped by context and values. The challenge is acknowledging bias while striving for fairness. #UWJ201 #301

Motivations drive the "why" behind journalism, but the "what" (the stories produced) is what truly impacts society. While noble goals like truth-telling inspire trust, even personal ambitions can lead to meaningful work. Integrity bridges that gap. #UWJ201 #301

Today’s lecture (2/21) explored how ads are designed to blend into content, using urgency, exclusivity, and storytelling to drive action. What does this mean for authenticity and trust in advertising as it becomes more personalized and persuasive? #UWJ201 #301

I think patrol coverage is more effective. It provides context and depth, helping us understand complex issues. Alarm coverage, while attention-grabbing, risks sensationalism and misses important stories. Balance is crucial for informed news. #UWJ201 #301

Emotionally charged stories amplify "us vs. them" narratives, pushing people into ideological corners. Fear and outrage make it harder to find common ground, deepening divides. This dynamic reinforces polarization and stifles constructive dialogue. #UWJ201 #301

I'm struck by how the online ad industry turns attention into a commodity, tracking and selling it in real-time auctions. It’s wild how our focus is constantly packaged and sold. What does this mean for the internet’s future and how we consume information? #UWJ201 #301

Hi Caroline! I think as more mergers happen, there’s a risk that content could become more uniform, limiting diversity in what we see and hear. Do you think this will push consumers to seek out independent platforms, or will the convenience of large companies still dominate? #UWJ201 #301

Hi Marlee! I think emphasizing policy impacts over poll numbers could make election coverage more useful for voters. Do you think news outlets would actually shift their approach, or is the horse race too profitable to change? #UWJ201 #301

The Vox article "Who Owns What in Big Media Today" highlighted how tech giants like Amazon, Apple, and Google are reshaping media ownership. With streaming and mergers consolidating control, how can consumers navigate a landscape dominated by a few powerful companies? #UWJ201 #301

I feel like when someone gets used to constant agreement around them, it's easy for them to become more extreme in their own political beliefs. They have no one around them challenging what they believe in, so they continue to believe only one side of the political spectrum is correct. #UWJ201 #301

Hi Clara!! I agree that balance is key. Brands need to be transparent while still making ads relevant. Do you think stronger regulations would help, or would they limit innovation? #UWj201 #301

According to Forbes, brands should take advantage of targeted advertising to connect with consumers who have an interest in their products/services. How can brands keep the balance between personalization and consumer privacy in an era of increasingly sophisticated targeted advertising? #UWJ201 #301