Media Consumption and Expansion

 

(Areeb, Q.M. et al. 2023) 


In the realm of modern media, the Filter Bubble theory, introduced by Eli Pariser, highlights how algorithms personalize news feeds based on user preferences, potentially creating isolated information bubbles. This theory is particularly relevant when comparing news coverage by outlets with distinct political leanings, such as CNN and MSNBC versus Fox News and Breitbart, especially on sensitive topics like the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

My personal MO is to avoid all news-related media, as I prefer to encapsulate myself in my own personal bubble that consists of my kids and reality tv. However, given the events in Butler, PA last weekend, I thought it would be very interesting to go outside of my comfort zone and consume news media from a variety of sources e.g. Fox News, Breitbart, CNN and MSNBC (all recommended by my husband).

As I’ve now learned, CNN and MSNBC are categorized as left-leaning news outlets, typically approaching news with a critical perspective on right-wing politics. Their coverage of the attempted assassination on Trump  de-emphasized the severity of the incident, the security lapses, and potential political implications. Some of their on-air personalities opined that the event was staged by the Trump campaign and that Trump was never shot.

Conversely, Fox News and Breitbart, known for their right-leaning perspectives, framed the event quite differently. Their coverage focused on the immediate details of the incident, highlighting any perceived failures by the Secret Service in protecting the former president. They emphasized the threat against Trump as part of a larger narrative about attacks on conservative figures. Additionally, they scrutinized the media and political rhetoric that they believe fueled hostility towards Trump and his supporters.

The Filter Bubble theory suggests that these differing narratives are not just accidental but are shaped by the algorithms that cater to the preferences of their respective audiences. This results in consumers receiving news that reinforces their existing beliefs, potentially deepening political divides. Until this course, I’ve never heard of the Filter Bubble theory or Eli Pariser but I’m now fascinated by it and will pay much closer attention from now on.

In conclusion, the coverage of the attempted assassination on Donald Trump by CNN and MSNBC compared to Fox News and Breitbart illustrates the Filter Bubble effect. Each outlet presents the news in a way that aligns with their audience's expectations, reinforcing pre-existing views and contributing to the polarized media landscape.

Reference

Areeb, Q.M. et al. (2023) Filter bubbles in recommender systems: Fact or fallacy -- a systematic review, arXiv.org.  https://arxiv.org/abs/2307.01221

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Assessment

Image
  Who enjoys taking tests or quizzes? Is homework truly an effective form of evaluation? Do grades hold significant value? What are the fundamental reasons behind our assessments? My philosophy on assessment is that it is a tool to support student learning and help the student grow. I believe that assessments are used for driving instruction in order to improve student learning. As an Adult Transition Teacher, I work with 18 - 26 year-old individuals with disabilities who have not earned a high school diploma. Assessment in my context is unique and tailored to real-life learning experiences, without the traditional grading system. My focus is on enhancing practical skills through assessments in areas such as Independent Living Skills, Functional Academics, Social Skills, Behavioral Skills, Community-Based Instruction (CBI), Work-Based Learning (WBL), and money management and budgeting. For my learners, standardized tests, quizzes, and homework are ineffective. As Shepard (2000) aptly s
Read more

Creative Commons

Image
  The Creative Commons (CC) license is a globally recognized framework that facilitates the sharing and use of creative works under specified conditions. Designed to increase access to and encourage the dissemination of creative content, CC licenses allow creators to communicate which rights they reserve and which rights they waive for the benefit of recipients or other creators. As an Adult Transition Teacher, I teach my adult learners about CC. We research various CCs and learn about the various details involved. The framework includes several types of licenses, each permitting different degrees of usage. The six main CC licenses range from the most permissive (CC BY) to the most restrictive (CC BY-NC-ND): CC BY (Attribution) : Allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even commercially, as long as they credit the original creation. CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike) : Similar to CC BY but requires that derivative works be licensed under identical terms. CC B
Read more

My Best Assessment

Teaching in the field of Special Education is profoundly rewarding, though it presents unique challenges that significantly impact students, peers, staff, and family members. For instance, I  had a student, “John”, a 22-year-old young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological and developmental disorder affecting a person’s behavior, communication, learning, and social interactions (Special Olympics Missouri, 2022). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can significantly interfere with daily life ( Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, 2024). The combination of ASD and OCD poses substantial challenges, often leading to behaviors ranging from rocking back and forth to more aggressive actions such as hitting, shouting, spitting, kicking, and throwing objects. Social situations also make John very
Read more