CMST 301_FinalExam.V5
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Digital Media & Society
CMST 301 – Final Project
Name of Instructor: Attention Student: Type your name and date below and submit your completed exam to your Assignments Folder in your CMST 301 LEO classroom. Thank you and Goodluck! Student Name: Ryan Dominick
Student ID: 1149169
Date: 30 November 2023
PROJECT 4: FINAL EXAM
ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. How has the Internet altered the way in which newspapers present news? How are print newspapers responding to the decline of subscribers and the rise of online readers? Support your discussion with reliable sources.
The arrival of the internet has revolutionized the news industry, fundamentally altering the way newspapers present news and forcing print newspapers to adapt to the decline of subscribers and the rise of online readers. Prior to the internet, newspapers were the primary source of news, delivered daily to readers' doorsteps. News can now be broken and consumed in real time, thanks to online platforms and social media.
The internet has also normalized access to information, providing readers with a wider range of news sources than ever before. They are no longer confined to the news that is selected and presented by traditional newspapers. Instead, they can have their own news feeds, drawing from a variety of online sources, including blogs and social media. Today, 77 percent of American adults’ access news stories online via links on social media platforms. (Taibi, 2017) In
response to these changes, newspapers have adopted various strategies to adapt to the digital age.
Many have invested heavily in developing their online presence, creating websites and mobile apps that provide access to their news content.
According to "Here's How The Way We Read Page 1
Newspapers Has Changed”, smartphones and tablets have become ubiquitous, allowing 43 million adults to access newspaper content digitally each month in 2013. (Taibi, 2017) They have also experimented with new forms of storytelling, integrating elements such as videos, photographs, and interactive graphics into their online platforms.
To counter the decline in newspaper reading, some newspapers have introduced paywalls, requiring readers to subscribe to access their online content. This has been met with mixed reactions, with some arguing that it restricts access to essential information, while others view it as a necessary measure to sustain the financial viability of newspapers. The accessibility and diversity of online news sources have transformed the media landscape, forcing traditional print newspapers to embrace digital technologies. As the news industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how newspapers navigate this changing environment and find ways to remain relevant and engaging in the digital age.
References
Taibi, C. (2017, December 7). Here’s How The Way We Read Newspapers Has Changed. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/newspaper-evolution-change-infographic-
digital-twitter-online_n_5367077
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3. How has "fake news" come to exist and spread so rapidly? Why do you think this happens? How is "fake news" harmful? What are the long- and short-term effects and consequences of being a consumer of "fake news"? How does it affect each of us? How can we, as consumers and
sharers of news, learn to identify potential "fake news" stories? Support your discussion with reliable sources.
In today's world, where information flows freely and effortlessly, “fake news” has emerged as a significant concern. The popularity of fake news can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the ease of creating and spreading content online has allowed individuals or groups with cruel intent to produce and spread false narratives. Secondly, the algorithms employed by social media platforms often prioritize dramatic and emotionally charged content, regardless of its accuracy, increasing the reach of fake news. Thirdly, the human tendency to seek confirmation of existing beliefs makes individuals more susceptible to accepting information that aligns with their worldview, even if it is false (Pennycook & Rand, 2021).
Fake news poses a significant threat to society, losing trust in valid news sources, separating opinions, and influencing decision-making processes. The spread of misinformation can have dire consequences, as demonstrated by the 2016 US presidential election, where fake news played a role in shaping public opinion. Fake news can fuel social unrest and undermine democratic institutions. The short-term effects of consuming fake news include confusion, anxiety, and misinformed decision-making. The long-term consequences are more profound, leading to a decline in social trust and a loss of critical thinking skills.
To combat the spread of fake news, individuals must adopt a judging approach to news. Cross referencing information with reputable sources, evaluating the credibility of the author and
website, and being cautious of dramatic or emotionally charged headlines are steps in identifying
potential fake news stories. Fake news has emerged as a tough challenge in the digital age, posing a threat to informed decision-making. By teaching a critical mindset and adopting Page 3
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responsible news viewing habits, individuals can protect themselves from the harmful effects of fake news and contribute to a more informed society.
References
Pennycook, G., & Rand, D. G. (2021, May 1). The Psychology of Fake News. Trends in Cognitive Sciences; Elsevier BV. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2021.02.007
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4. Define the digital divide, discuss how pervasive it is (include reliable statistics), and list three examples of how it negatively impacts society. Provide two examples of how the digital divide can be closed. Support your discussion with reliable sources.
In today's increasingly digital world, the gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, known as the digital divide, has become a pressing issue. This divide shows in various forms, including access to hardware, internet connectivity, and digital skills. The pervasiveness of the digital divide is evident in statistics such as the fact that in the United States, 32% of households with children under the age of six lack high-speed internet access (The Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2023).
The digital divide negatively impacts society in several ways. It hinders education, as students without access to technology or the internet are at a disadvantage in their learning. It also impedes economic opportunity, as individuals without digital skills are less likely to secure employment or participate in the digital economy (Frey & Osborne, 2017). Additionally, the digital divide worsens social difference, as those without access to technology are often excluded
from the benefits of the digital world.
Several strategies can be employed to close the digital divide. One approach is to increase
access to affordable hardware and internet connectivity, particularly in lower income communities. Another strategy is to provide digital literacy training to individuals of all ages, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the digital world effectively. Additionally, governments and organizations can collaborate to develop innovative solutions, such as community technology centers and mobile internet services to bridge the digital divide.
In conclusion, the digital divide is a significant and universal issue that negatively impacts society in various ways. By addressing the digital divide through targeted interventions and initiatives, we can create a more equitable and inclusive digital world for all.
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References
Frey, C. B., & Osborne, M. (2017). The future of employment: How susceptibles are jobs
to automation?. McKinsey Global Institute.
The Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2023). Internet access 2022*. Retrieved from https://www.aecf.org/resources/2021-kids-count-data-book
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5. How has Digital Media influenced (or changed) children of this generation? How are their lives different than ours? Include a historical (before and after the digital media) and global perspective (include discussion of the US and at least two additional countries). Include whether the change has been positive, negative, or both. Support your discussion with reliable sources.
The influence of digital media has revolutionized the lives of children worldwide, shaping their experiences, perspectives, and interactions in ways unimaginable just a few decades ago. This transformation is apparent when comparing the childhood of today's generation to that of previous generations, characterized by a contrast in access to and engagement with technology.
In the United States, children today are immersed in a digital world from a young age. According to a 2021 report by Common Sense Media, 83% of children under the age of eight have access to a smartphone or tablet, and 55% use them on a daily basis (Common Sense Media, 2021). This constant exposure to digital media has significantly altered their learning styles, communication patterns, and social interactions.
Similarly, in India, digital media has become an essential part of children's lives, particularly in urban areas. A study by UNICEF found that 74% of children aged 15-19 have access to the internet, and 50% own a smartphone (UNICEF India, 2022). This digital access has
opened up new educational opportunities and facilitated global connections, but it has also raised
concerns about cyberbullying and online safety. In South Korea, children are at the forefront of digital literacy and engagement. This widespread adoption of technology has raised innovation and creativity among Korean youth, but it has also led to concerns about excessive screen time and addiction.
The impact of digital media on children's lives has been complex, presenting both positive and negative consequences. On one hand, digital media has provided children with access to a vast array of information, educational resources, and communication tools. It has also
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facilitated global connections, development cross-cultural understanding and collaboration. However, the extensiveness of digital media has also raised concerns about its potential negative effects on children's development. Excessive screen time has been linked to attention deficit issues, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. Additionally, the exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and online predators poses significant risks to children's emotional well-
being and safety.
References
Common Sense Media. (2021). The Common Sense Media 2021 Year in Tech Report
. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/the-common-sense-census-media-
use-by-tweens-and-teens-2021
UNICEF India. (2022). We, the Youth of India: A Report on the Status of Young People in India
. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/india/
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