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The first article, written by Niamh Kirk, gave me a greater perspective as to the effects of social media on the average person’s perspectives and outlooks. It also showed how effective media literacy can be as a tool against misinformation and disinformation. As shown in the survey conducted by FuJo Media, 62 percent of people have concerns about misinformation online. This statistic shows that there is a definite need for misinformation to be tackled, whether that is through teaching media literacy, empowering users, or removing it at the source.
The obligation of both governments and corporations to combat malicious information online is greater than I previously thought. The European Commission’s Code of Practice on Disinformation (ECCPD) was signed by media corporations Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Microsoft. While this shows some level of responsibility taken on their behalf, their upholding of this code isn’t perfect once examined thoroughly. The Broadcasting Association of Ireland (BAI) conducted a ‘Code Check’ report, examining how these companies were supporting users and their efforts in media literacy (Pillars D & E of the Code). While consumers are provided the tools to report disinformation, the actions taken based on these reports are completely unknown. Another example of this ambiguous behaviour is the collection and use of user’s personal data.
The second article shows that, without these supports in place, misinformation gets more attention than it should. Almost half of UK respondents to a survey had come across false information regarding COVID-19, and more than a third of NI participants said, “they found it hard to know what is true and what is false about Coronavirus”. The conclusion to this article suggests that “There is a role to play for all media literacy practitioners” in thinking about how people respond to information, and how following decisions are made. This is a very important note to make, as faults in communicating can happen at any stage. Whether the message is conveyed poorly, or the audience misinterprets it, or it is conveyed in the wrong medium to begin with, any number of issues can lead to errors in communication.
The Journal Article, “News media literacy, perceptions of bias, and interpretation of news” further solidifies this wariness of widespread media. It finds that “individuals seek out news from sources that match their political beliefs”. I think it’s important to mention that cognitive biases as shown throughout this article can have a subconscious effect on audiences, reinforcing bad media habits in some. In extreme cases, people can find themselves in ‘echo chambers’ online that exist solely to support their own worldviews, regardless of truthful journalism.
Sources:
Media Literacy Ireland (2020) Digital Media Companies Found Lacking In Helping Users Understand the Online Environment [online] Available from <https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/news/digital-media-companies-found-lacking-in-helping-users-understand-the-online-environment> [accessed 10 Nov 2021].
Media Literacy Ireland (2020) Ofcom Research: Nearly Half of People Across the UK Nations Have Come Across False or Misleading Information About COVID-19 [online] Available from <https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/news/ofcom-research-nearly-half-of-people-across-the-uk-nations-have-come-across-false-or-misleading-information-about-covid-19> [accessed 10 Nov 2021].
Media Literacy Ireland (2020) Digital Media Companies Found Lacking In Helping Users Understand the Online Environment [online] Available from <https://www.medialiteracyireland.ie/news/digital-media-companies-found-lacking-in-helping-users-understand-the-online-environment> [accessed 10 Nov 2021].
Tully, M. (2020) News Media Literacy, perceptions of bias, and interpretation of news. Sage Publishing [online] 2020, Vol 21(2) 209-226, available from: <https://tudublin-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/irene_mcginn_tudublin_ie/ETLRv99FIY9Mvy-qySd5evkBBKLx-XfHp4pWLYBdFa25iA?e=bdGkAU> [accessed 10 Nov 2021].
Hi Milo, this is your feedback for the week 5 peer feedback,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the first paragraph in the blog. It gives a very clear indication on what the blog is about and makes me interested in reading on. I also like how in the first blog you are already referencing the work that this blog is based on.
I like how the blog is broken up into different paragraphs, with each paragraph referencing the different journals and articles the blog is based on.
This blog is very well written. I enjoy the language used and the way the whole blog flows from one section to another.
A couple questions I have after reading the blog are:
- What are the main types of misinformation people are receiving and where are people receiving it?
- In what ways are governments and corporations helping combat the lack of media literacy in the general public?
After reading this blog post I’m definity going to be including a nice paragraph at the start of my posts introducing what I’m about write about. I will also refer to the work I’m r referencing here as well.
Make one ‘what if…’ suggestion that the writer could try out in future writing.
One “What if” would be at the end of the blog you did a small paragraph quickly summing up what was written. I think that would be a nice tidy way of finishing it all off.
Overall I enjoyed reading this blog post!
-Kirstin Jordan.
This is my feedback for your blog,
ReplyDeleteFrom the beginning of the blog, you are straight to the point and discuss the first article from your own point of view. This is a good start, and keeps the reader interested. Another positive about this blog is the layout, which is clear. You use paragraphs to separate the different talking points throughout. This makes your blog accessible and more enjoyable to read. It also allows the reader to find a specific point without having to look for it in a big block of words, as you start each paragraph with a talking point.
An important feature of a blog is that it keeps the reader engaged, and you do this by being authentic and of course giving your own opinion. You do this throughout your blog, you give your source, your opinion, and then you build on that. This is what I saw while reading your blog and this shows that you know how to write a blog that keeps a reader engaged and wanting more.
Another admirable feature is that you reference your sources, for example: 'As shown in the survey conducted by FuJo Media, 62 percent of people have concerns about misinformation online.' In paragraph one. When you refer to a source, you make your point stronger, and it tells the reader that your opinion is to be trusted when your point is based off a trusted source.
Lastly, I like how you use accessible language. This allows the reader to understand what you are talking about as the blog is easier to read. It also leaves less room for misinformation and making mistakes in what you are trying to say.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this blog, my main point being that it is clear and concise throughout.
If I were to change anything I would ask that you include a little more of your opinion and perhaps go even more in depth, for example in the second paragraph you make a point at the very end: 'Another example of this ambiguous behaviour is the collection and use of user’s personal data.’ However, you give no further opinion on this point. I feel that doing that would strengthen your overall point that you are trying to make.
Chloe Power