Opportunities, Challenges, and Power of Media and Information

Web 2.0

allows communication and information-sharing with large groups of people instantaneously

OPPORTUNITY

a set of situations that makes it possible to do something.

ECONOMY

a system of inter-related production and consumption activities that ultimately determine the allocation of resources within a group.

Political economy

deals with the overlapping threads of economy and politics and how relations of ownership affect society and everyday life.

Robert McChesney

gave the different issues of focus of political economy of media:

1\. the nature of journalism and its relationship to democratic practices; how media firms and markets operate 2. understanding propaganda, from governments, commercial interests, and private parties 3. commercial media and the depoliticization of society 4. the relationship of media to racial, gender, and economic inequality 5. the relationship of media to foreign policy and militarism 6. the specific role of advertising in shaping media markets and content 7. the communication policymaking process 8. telecommunication policies and regulations 9. the relationship of communication to global and contemporary capitalism 10. the nature of commercialism and its impact on culture 11. public broadcasting, and the establishment of alternative media institutions and systems 12. the relationship of technology to media, and to politics and society 13. the relationship of media to popular social movements

John Culkin (1967)

We become what we behold. We shape our tools, and thereafter our tools shape us

SOCIAL

In today's world, media becomes as essential as our daily needs. The media of today is playing an outstanding role in creating and shaping public opinion and strengthening society. It is the sword arm of democracy. It acts as a watchdog to protect the public interest against malpractice and create public awareness

POLITICAL

Media, the Fourth Estate, are tasked to inform the public about issues of governance. Through media, people should be able to voice their opinions and concerns regarding the government. In a way, then, media are able to influence the way politicians govern and how the public views the government

News-around-the-clock reporting or round-clock reporting

One of the ways that social media has transformed politics is the sheer speed at which news, poll results, and rumors are shared. Whereas in the pre-internet days, people had to wait for the next newspaper or TV news show to get the latest information, online news is a 24/7 phenomenon

The impact of polls

Political polls are an important part of every campaign. They are often confusing because of multiple polls with contradictory results posted on the very same day

Direct interaction with politicians

One of the positive effects that social media has on politics is the opportunity for voters to interact more easily with candidates and elected officials. With modern technology, it’s now possible to attend virtual events where one can participate in live streaming events and interact with politicians and candidates

Demographics and targeting

is used throughout the advertising industry to make sure that ads and messages reach the right audience. In the age of social media, politicians and people running for office are able to target their campaigns.

CHALLENGES

something new and difficult that requires great effort and determination

Illegal Content

any type of content that could be damaging to young people, including: real or simulated violence sexually explicit content illegal images of children sexual abuse content promoting hate based on race, religion, or sexual preference content instructing or promoting crime or violence content promoting violent extremism content that advocates unsafe behavior like extreme dieting or drug-taking the use of a computer as an instrument to further illegal ends

Cybercrime

Criminal activity or a crime that involves the Internet, a computer system, or computer technology

Copyright Infringement

use of works protected by copyright law without permission, infringing certain exclusive rights granted to the copyright holder, such as the right to reproduce, distribute, display or perform the protected work, or to make derivative works

Identity Theft

deliberate use of someone else's identity, usually as a method to gain a financial advantage or obtain credit and other benefits in the other person's name, and perhaps to the other person's disadvantage or loss

POWER

means the concentration of symbolic power in media institutions, particularly those of television, radio, and the press

Business Strategy

a trend that is already spreading to businesses beyond the newsroom, whether it be because of digital marketing or new customer service communication channels

Banks of the Future

Social media is transforming banking relationships in very significant ways, from improving customer service to allowing users to send money to others via online platforms. New financial technology companies are using social media to help people simply open a bank account. Social media can even impact one’s ability to get a loan.

Health Care and Public Health

Social media has been responsible for relevant changes in both personal and community health, especially by making it easier for large numbers of people to rapidly share information