In-Class Lecture 03/06

Overview of Media Influence and Public Perception

  • The media landscape is marked by disparate views and misinformation, particularly surrounding political figures and events.

  • Example: Donald Trump claimed that Ukraine initiated the conflict with Russia, which is widely disputed by credible sources.

  • Importance of checking multiple sources for accurate information.

First Amendment and Media Landscape

  • The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and press, allowing diverse media voices to exist in the U.S.

  • The U.S. media, despite criticisms, is seen as competitive compared to that of other countries like Sweden and Germany.

  • Both liberals and conservatives have historically criticized the media for bias.

    • Conservatives label mainstream media as biased against their views, while liberals argue about corporate media's conservative leanings.

The Role of Media

  • Media serves as a tool for information dissemination.

  • Concerns regarding the influences of media on violence and sexualization, especially in children's programming and adult content.

  • Discussion of the relationship between exposure to violence in media (e.g., video games) and real-world crime statistics.

    • Evidence largely suggests no correlation between violent video games and increased violence in society; crime rates have generally dropped since the rise of gaming.

Sensationalism in Media Reporting

  • The media's tendency to focus on dramatic and sensational events creates a perception of increased fear and danger in society.

  • 'If it bleeds, it leads': Media prioritizes stories that attract clicks and views, leading to public misper

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