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Overview of Midterm Exam and Preparation

The midterm exam consists of three main components:

  1. Ten Multiple Choice Questions

  2. Summary Question regarding student presentations

  3. Essay Questions (three provided, pick two)

Materials Required for Exam

  • Writing materials: pencil, pen, eraser, etc.

  • Review your notes, textbooks, and PowerPoint presentations in preparation.

Exam Structure Details

  • The first section consists of 10 multiple choice questions.

  • The second section involves summarizing a student presentation, which can either be your own or another's. This will require a detailed response, demonstrating comprehension of the material presented.

  • In the final section, there are three essay questions provided, out of which students will select and answer two questions. Each essay should be roughly one page in length.

    • All answers should utilize specific examples from class materials, including PowerPoints and group presentations.

Time Management and Conducting the Exam

Students are advised not to cheat as there are strict consequences which may include expulsion from the exam venue. It's expected to adhere strictly to the honor code during the exam.
Students are encouraged to take a thorough approach to answering the questions, with comprehensive points to maximize scoring potential.

Important Exam Strategies

  • Study Notes: Students are encouraged to review lecture notes and create study cards for better retention of the material.

  • Example Utilization: When addressing group presentations in responses, specific examples akin to ones shared in class can elevate the quality of essays.

Concerning Class Engagement and Q&A

The instructor will not be addressing midterm-related questions during the class to maintain focus for everyone's benefit. Queries must be directed toward public understanding rather than private interests.

Historical Context of Fake News

In studying the rise of fake news particularly surrounding the 2016 elections, it is crucial to understand the patterns of dissemination and the effects of such disinformation on political discourse.

Key Findings and Statistics

  • Fake news constituted an estimated 10% of news posted on Facebook and Twitter.

  • During the election campaigns, anti-Clinton fake news circulated extensively, with 30 million shares against just 7 million shares for anti-Trump articles.

  • The high visibility of fake news was due to social media platforms acting as significant facilitators for the circulation of misleading information.

Mechanisms of Spread

  • Fake news often came from non-verified accounts and individuals rather than established media organizations.

    • Individuals, often active and engaged, became central to the spread of fake news online, contributing to misinformation becoming pervasive within social media.

Implications of Fake News

  • Fake news narratives can skew public perception and contribute to increased polarization and mistrust in traditional media.

  • Understanding this context aids in recognizing the implications of current events and public discourse in relation to misinformation.

Introduction to QAnon

Definition

QAnon is characterized by a set of conspiracy theories with a cult-like structure defined as both a community and an open-ended collective narrative influenced by paranoid attitudes toward political institutions.

Origins and Development

  • It began on 4chan in October, spearheaded by an anonymous user claiming to have insider information regarding political corruption and government malfeasance.

  • Engagement in the community required members to actively decrypt cryptic messages, creating a gamified experience where members felt involved and in control, paralleling a cult-like devotion.

Cultural Impact and Features

  • QAnon has become significantly influential, capitalizing on common fears surrounding government actions and utilizing language that resonates with a disenfranchised audience.

  • Related movements often inspire individuals to take real-world actions, sometimes leading to violent confrontations such as the storming of the Capitol in 2021.

Digital Media Literacy and Fake News Identification

Understanding Media Bias

The discussion has covered areas of editorialization, partisanship in media, and the importance of distinguishing fact from opinion.

  • Misleading Content: Is typically laden with emotional language and driven by anecdotes rather than factual accuracy. Recognize that biased reporting often skews the presentation of facts to provoke emotional response from the audience.

  • Opinion vs. News: Understanding that opinion articles may reflect one viewpoint and can manipulate facts to support an argument. In contrast, news articles should encompass multiple viewpoints, be fact-checked, and maintain a level of objectivity.

Example Articles and Editorial Choices

Examining the difference between how similar stories are reported across various platforms exemplifies how editorialization can influence public perception.

  • Editorial Examples

    • One story covered by different sources could have emotional spins or loaded vocabulary indicating bias and affecting the perceived meaning of the content.

Conclusion

Mastery of these concepts contributes to effective digital media literacy. Ensuring one is able to assess the reliability and bias of sources is crucial in an age where misinformation is readily circulated.

This guide aims to provide an exhaustive understanding relevant for preparation in academic study as well as effective engagement with current events and media.