Media Literacy and Active Reading
Overall the information provided in the reading is quite interesting in it's discussion of how we receive news that may be considered important and how bias can strongly affect how we perceive it. One particular info of interest was presented by the Ofcom Research article and how it stated that "On seeing false or misleading information, the most common response in all nations was to do nothing about it-", which brings to us a question. Why is it that a large number of us would knowingly not do anything to combat misinformation that we come across? It might sound like a large task of immense grandeur but reporting it is as easy as the click of a few buttons. In a way I can understand why this might be. It might seem obvious to us and we assume it would be obvious to others, or we might feel that the action is so minuscule that it would make little to no impact. It can also be far too hopeful that everyone would actively try to do what one might see as "righteous" or "the correct moral thing to do".
Another point of interest for me was a response from one of the interviewees from the 'News media literacy, perceptions of bias, and interpretation of news' Article. They speak of how consumers often search for information that caters to or agrees to their own beliefs. "If you’re very conservative, you want to read a conservative newspaper – you want to feel like your news also agrees with you". It is obviously difficult to consume media and information that feels as if it is actively debunking all your beliefs. As such, by consuming media that caters to our own beliefs it provides a place of comfort for us and reinforces our beliefs regardless of its legitimacy.
As well, we find that news that provides a more emotional view on a subject often appeals to us more. On participant felt that "Although, she stated that she believes global warming is an important issue, in this case, she found the NYT focus to be too detached to give the full story." When information doesn't appeal to our emotions we find it far more difficult to be interested in the subject. As such even when the information is factual and of importance, should we deem it uninteresting or doesn't evoke any emotion within us, it may not get anywhere in terms of informing us.
In my opinion, this is a very well written blog with little to no errors. Everything is explained clearly and is accessible to the reader meaning that they're less likely to lose interest. As well as this, all research has been cited and referenced which is useful in obtaining extra information that may not have been mentioned or finding out if the source is reliable.
ReplyDeleteThe use of rhetorical questions allows for readers to think and expand on what they're reading: "On seeing false or misleading information, the most common response in all nations was to do nothing about it." This also allows the reader to relate to the topic.
The first paragraph has a good opening and a good conclusion, everything was fast and quick to the point, which stops rambling and going off topic, in turn, the reader loses interest.
The second paragraph has quotations and your own personal opinion, which is great when wanting to keep the readers attention on your blog. A personal opinion also allows the reader to relate to your work.
One thing that I found might need work is the overall length, I feel that the beginning of the blog could've been more introductory however this does not take away from the fact that it is a well written and good blog.
-Chloe Power
My favourite part of your blog post was overall all the content was very informative. I liked when you questioned why is it that a large number of us would knowingly not do anything to combat misinformation that we come across. I think you done very well in keeping it informative and full of information from other articles, and adding the citations where needed. I think its great that people can find out more when they click on the link.
ReplyDeleteQ1. What do you think about active reading?
Q2. What is your opinion on when information doesn't appeal to our emotions, why would you find it more difficult to be interested in the subject?
I believe that the main focus I have learned about on this blog was of how they speak of how consumers often search for information that caters to or agrees to their own beliefs. The relevance of how to communicate to consumers through products that evoke emotions, feelings or reactions. This is a technique that I believe I can implement within my writing style and therefore create more thought provoking pieces. Another technique I can apply to my own writing would be to create links for references. What if you could give the reference from where you took the image, It allows readers to follow up on the sources. Over all I enjoyed reading this and my opinion is it is a very good blog post. You did a really good job!