Topic 12: Public Attention, Agenda Setting, and Justice

Agenda Setting

The process of shaping which issues the public sees as important by determining what receives collective attention

Collective Attention

The shared focus of a society on certain events issues or people at a given time

Attention Worthy

Issues that deserve public attention because they involve serious moral significance such as injustice harm or human rights

Attention Grabbing

Issues that attract attention because they are dramatic sensational or emotionally intense not because they are morally important

Distinction Between Worthy and Grabbing

Some events get massive attention despite low moral relevance while important injustices receive very little attention

Media Influence on Agenda Setting

Media organizations decide what stories to highlight shaping what society thinks about

Platform Influence on Agenda Setting

Algorithms decide which posts trend giving tech companies power over what becomes publicly visible

Justice and Attention

A just society requires fair distribution of attention so serious harms and marginalized groups are not ignored

Moral Visibility

The idea that being seen or noticed is morally important because attention influences whether wrongs are addressed

Injustice of Attention Inequality

Some groups receive constant visibility while others remain invisible leading to unequal understanding and concern

Titan vs Adriana Example

A case showing how wealthy victims received massive attention while hundreds of migrants received little attention revealing moral imbalance

Moral Problem in Titan vs Adriana

The imbalance shows society values certain lives more and fails to give equal moral consideration to all persons

Structural Bias in Attention

Social factors such as wealth race nationality and media incentives shape who receives empathy and concern

Attention as a Form of Power

Controlling what issues get attention can influence political outcomes public compassion and resource allocation

Neglect of Marginalized Groups

When certain groups are ignored their suffering is not addressed leading to ongoing injustice

Over Attending to Sensational Content

Paying too much attention to dramatic stories can distract from systemic issues that require public action

Collective Responsibility

Society may have duties to shift attention toward issues involving serious harm even if they are less entertaining

Gatekeeping

Media and platforms act as gatekeepers deciding which stories enter public discussion

Ethical Obligation of Media

Media organizations may have moral responsibilities to provide balanced coverage and avoid reinforcing harmful biases

Citizen Attention Duties

Individuals might have duties to stay informed about important issues rather than only focusing on entertainment or outrage

Exam Requirement Attention Worthy vs Attention Grabbing

Must explain difference and give examples such as Titan vs Adriana

Exam Requirement Moral Problem of Unequal Attention

Must describe how unequal attention reflects injustice and influences public response

Exam Requirement Agenda Setting Role of Media and Platforms

Must explain how they shape public priorities and collective moral focus