Blog Post #9: EOTO2 Reflection

The rise of citizen journalism explains how technology changes people by bypassing traditional. Total Information Awareness (TIA) is able to have the potential for government surveillance or tacking every action of citizens. In the early 2000s, TIA was able to collect and analyze data to stop threats. TIA shut down in 2003 because of concerns about privacy and civil rights. There was press about security measures that were taken place. 

Propaganda has had a huge influence on shaping public opinion, specifically in conflicts such as World War 1 and 2, where citizens were encouraged to produce food, enlist in the military, and contribute financially. In 2003, the U.S. intervention in Iraq tried to locate weapons of mass destruction, echoing past narratives of national security. In the meantime, Russia's actions, such as camps of Ukrainian women, reflect on the great power struggles in society. 

Smith-Mindt Act Website

The Smith-Mindt Act, established in 1948, regulated U.S. propaganda around the world and limited influence in the U.S. There was great change in 2012 under President Obama, with higher attention about the potential state influence within the U.S. citizens. They argue that these policies between reporting and propaganda complicate the media's role as a watchdog. 

Social Media Link

Social media has a lot of influencers in the conversations of topics, anything like mental health or political issues. Trying to be the most beautiful as a standard and also promoting awareness about this standard. Like climate change and racial equality, influences that have a positive impact. Their content shows personal biases, complicating their role as sources of news and inspiration. 

Podcast Image

Podcasts such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts offer an alternative to screen-based content. Their low production costs and accessibility make them appealing for consumers of information. Unlike videos, podcasts reduce screen time that still provide valuable insight, making them increasingly popular medium. 

Breaking News

Mainstream media such as BNC, CNN, and Fox News remain a strong force through their influence and are now rivaled by social media. The polarization around issues like COVID-19 vaccines shows that biases with traditional outlets. Alertnative media provides information about underreported issues like local conflicts or community challenges, though only a small percentage of people engage with these platforms. 

Gatekeeping Website

The concept of gatekeeping shows how accessible information and opportunities can be controlled. In the news, gatekeeping stops the sources in our everyday lives and influences our career growth or social expectations. Agenda-setting theory shows how media impacts our public perceptions by focusing attention on specific topics. 

Vague policies are speeches created without knowing what they are exactly, usually coming from open dialogue. As media grows, balancing freedom of expression is very important for staying up to date.