Is Digital Media Credible?
As the domination of digital media on news and information increases, researchers starts to question about the veracity of the information found in all media, and the credibility of the search engines. They turn to scholars who question the credibility of today's news and the information in the media. More importantly, they start looking into the reasons for not having the correct or the all relevant information when one search something using their devices.
The current research reflects society’s idea of adverse influences of media. Scholars suggest that people are trapped in a filter bubble where they only receive information that other people allow (Parise, 2013). Rather than offering people all of the available information, content is tailored and personalized based on an individual’s perceived preferences. The current trend in an information system is that “the internet is showing [users] what it thinks [they] want to see, not necessarily what [they] need to see" (Prasie 2013). This makes accessing a variety of perspectives and information more difficult. Although the means of control have changed, it is still present. It is important that students understand they rarely have a full picture and need to explore and compare multiple sources (Pariser 2011).
The current research reflects society’s idea of adverse influences of media. Scholars suggest that people are trapped in a filter bubble where they only receive information that other people allow (Parise, 2013). Rather than offering people all of the available information, content is tailored and personalized based on an individual’s perceived preferences. The current trend in an information system is that “the internet is showing [users] what it thinks [they] want to see, not necessarily what [they] need to see" (Prasie 2013). This makes accessing a variety of perspectives and information more difficult. Although the means of control have changed, it is still present. It is important that students understand they rarely have a full picture and need to explore and compare multiple sources (Pariser 2011).
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Brown (2014) adds to this conversation and discusses the idea that it is harder for information researchers and the general public to search for accurate information, especially. Furthermore, a study published by Stanford University suggests that middle and high school students are especially inept when it comes to evaluating the credibility of online information (Slagter 2017). Companies and governing bodies have sizable control over news and broadcasting organizations. This often leads to biased content that favors organizational interests (Brown, 2014).
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Not only is content being filtered, but the way in which people are accessing information has also changed in recent years. Ward (2013) states that over 70% of Facebook users get their news from what their friends and families share. Moreover, Papadopoulos (2016) and Hobbs (2016) suggest that current technological tools aid the spread of false information, due to the “blurring of lines between amateur and professional websites, entertainment and marketing and information and persuasion”(p.4). In particular, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow for content to be generated from any user with or without trusted references. Although government organizations and businesses attempt to provide accurate information, unaccredited information is still easily accessible.
Additionally, Banet-Weiser (2007) claims that media influences students’ perception of citizenship practices. They support the idea that young learners enact in consumerism in order to fulfill their duties as citizens. For example, brand loyalty may be equivalent as citizenship practice.
Although media can be used as means of propaganda and medium of negative effects to learners, some scholars argue that through visual media can also empower students. These scholars also assert that television companies like Nickelodeon promotes media literacy by modeling appropriate practices to analyze information. For example, Nick’s News from Nickelodeon is delivered from conversations shared in a group rather than from an authority figure. Nonetheless, not all television networks share this ideal. Educators and families should spend more time to carefully inspect the educational value of media.
Additionally, Banet-Weiser (2007) claims that media influences students’ perception of citizenship practices. They support the idea that young learners enact in consumerism in order to fulfill their duties as citizens. For example, brand loyalty may be equivalent as citizenship practice.
Although media can be used as means of propaganda and medium of negative effects to learners, some scholars argue that through visual media can also empower students. These scholars also assert that television companies like Nickelodeon promotes media literacy by modeling appropriate practices to analyze information. For example, Nick’s News from Nickelodeon is delivered from conversations shared in a group rather than from an authority figure. Nonetheless, not all television networks share this ideal. Educators and families should spend more time to carefully inspect the educational value of media.
There are many implications of media on individuals, how does it translate to an educational environment? Click on the link to discover more about implications of media on education.
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