Media in a Hyper-Mediated World Q1 Vocab

Homophily

The sociological tendency for people to form connections and groups with others who share similar backgrounds, interests, or characteristics.

Architecture of Serendipity

Deliberate design choices in digital platforms or physical spaces meant to encourage happy accidents and unexpected discoveries.

Architecture of Control

The deliberate design of physical spaces, digital systems, or institutional rules intended to monitor, restrict, and guide behavior, often prioritizing security and order over freedom or spontaneity.

General Interest Intermediary

A media outlet or platform that curates content for a wide, diverse audience without focusing on specific niches or partisan viewpoints.

Special-interest Intermediary

A service or channel that filters information specifically for a particular group, ideology, or hobby, prioritizing relevance to that niche over general appeal.

Crystal Framework

A theoretical model describing how transparency, clear structures, and open communication flows influence trust and effectiveness within an organization.

Para-Social Relationships

One-sided psychological bonds where an individual feels a deep sense of intimacy or friendship with a media figure who is unaware of their existence.

Meaning Transfer Model

The meaning the audience associates with the influencer and how that reflects on the brand. Will a brand look good for collaborating with a specific influencer?

Source Credibility Model

How the audience perceives their source as knowledgeable or someone they can get advice from. How trustworthy are they?

Product Match-Up Model

Focuses on how the audience perceives an alignment between the brand and influencer. Will people buy the produce because of the influencer?

Source Attractiveness Model

Is the source/influencer attractive, likeable, or familar to the audience? Will the audience buy from someone they can relate to or find attractive?

Extended Mind Theory

The philosophical concept that cognitive processes can extend beyond the biological brain into external tools, technologies, and environmental artifacts.

Self-Disclosure

The voluntary sharing of personal information, feelings, or experiences with another person, which serves as a key mechanism for building interpersonal trust and closeness.

Digital Irritation

Central emotional response from people as algorithms become more confining and reductive online.