5. Media Diversity, Knowledge Gap, and Techno-Optimism/Pessimism

Media diversity

The range of different media outlets and content, offering varied perspectives and catering to different audiences in the media landscape.

Least objectionable program

In a low-choice media environment, it refers to the idea that people will consume the least controversial or least disagreeable content when few options are available.

Choice efficiency

The extent to which individuals can effectively navigate through a wide range of media options to access content that aligns with their interests and preferences.

Tuning out

The phenomenon of individuals disengaging from news media, especially in high-choice media environments where people can opt out of political news and content.

Knowledge gap

The growing disparity in political or social knowledge between different demographic groups, often linked to factors like socio-economic status.

Media niches

Specialized segments of the media that cater to particular interests, ideologies, or groups, often leading to fragmented audiences.

High choice efficiency

A media environment in which individuals can easily access and filter a wide variety of content tailored to their preferences, leading to greater personalization of media consumption.

Techno-optimism

The belief that the internet and digital technologies have the potential to significantly improve society by fostering democracy, freedom, and social equality.

Techno-pessimism

A skeptical view that digital technologies, including the internet, may worsen societal problems, erode privacy, or exacerbate inequality and polarization.

Democratize/Democratization

The process of making information, knowledge, and participation accessible to all members of society, enabling greater inclusion in decision-making processes.

Information landscape

The structure of how information is organized, distributed, and accessed, including the channels through which people engage with content.

Knowledge generation

The process of creating new knowledge, whether through formal education, scientific research, or collaborative efforts like crowdsourcing.

Online mobilization

The use of digital tools, particularly social media, to organize, spread, and coordinate political or social movements and causes.

Flatter

The shift from hierarchical, top-down systems of information distribution to a more decentralized, peer-to-peer exchange, allowing everyone an equal voice.

Decentralized

A system in which control and decision-making are distributed across multiple nodes or actors rather than being concentrated in a central authority.

Filtered

Information that has been shaped or censored through a process that prioritizes certain perspectives or narratives, often controlled by media elites.

Framed

The way information is presented or structured to emphasize certain aspects, perspectives, or interpretations over others, influencing how it is understood by the audience.

Crowdsourced

The process of gathering information, ideas, or resources from a large, often informal group of people, typically via the internet.

Peer review

A system of evaluating and validating knowledge or content where a group of individuals—often equals or experts—assess the quality and credibility of the material.

#revolution

The use of social media to rapidly spread political or social movements, often challenging the status quo and advocating for change, particularly in authoritarian regimes.

Regime opponents

Individuals or groups that oppose the ruling authority, particularly in authoritarian contexts, often using digital tools to organize and publicize their dissent.