1. On page 113, Gladstone discusses the differing opinions on full disclosure (transparency) and objectivity from our news. Which do you prefer or expect from your news coverage? Do you believe that there is a place for both in our contemporary, technology-driven society?
2. On page 132, Gladstone discusses the long-term effects of technology on our thinking capacity and our brains. Do you believe that, as a society, we are keeping up with the times and using technology to its full advantage? Why or why not?
3. The last section suggests that homophily helps to shape our world view because we surround ourselves by people and media who agree with our own beliefs. Even after reading Gladstone's book, do you believe that people can objectively analyze an argument?
4. How does the second half of "Influencing the Machine" connect to the information on propaganda that we talked about yesterday in class?
1. I think there is a place for full disclosure in our media. Online personalities and celebrities are good examples, where their opinions only help to build their credibility and respect from the community. Legacy media, however, I don't think is as candid about their truly individual opinions, rather they keep it tucked away so that it doesn't poorly influence their viewership. I would be welcome to it, though. Knowing the person's affiliations credits them and their work. And I think it forces to audience to take it a step beyond to not judge them on it. I would hope that, for myself, I could fully know that a reporter has opposing views, but understand that their reporting is purposefully objective and I have to see past myself to appreciate their work.
2. The technology topic is weird for me. I feel that we do take advantage of society but I feel like we take it for granted, if that is understandable. We use technology all around us, to get information, find the truth communicate, etc.; but sometimes I think we allow it to become a crutch. A crutch in the way that we stunt our own learning and thinking because we can not form OUR own opinions without finding out what others believe and inferring from there. I believe that our mind is powerful and if we do not use it, it will slowly decay and technology inhibits that.
To add on to Paula's statement, do we not choose news stations based on these disclosures that we either like/enjoy or do not like/can't stand. We select those based on our personalities and likeness, I do not believe any other way around that.
I think that it's nearly impossible to completely analyze an argument objectively. We all carry our own biases, and it can be difficult to remove those predetermined opinions. With the technology today homophily is only increasing. People can search and connect with like minded people and never have to venture far from their own beliefs. With the internet, news stations, newspapers, books, etc., there is something for everyone. Technology can serve as a great tool for getting information, but only if used properly. Most people use technology for entertainment, rather than for learning, and rarely search for opinions outside their own. I believe that this inhibits people from become objective, even though all of the information is at our fingertips.
1. On page 113, Gladstone discusses the differing opinions on full disclosure (transparency) and objectivity from our news. Which do you prefer or expect from your news coverage? Do you believe that there is a place for both in our contemporary, technology-driven society?
ReplyDelete2. On page 132, Gladstone discusses the long-term effects of technology on our thinking capacity and our brains. Do you believe that, as a society, we are keeping up with the times and using technology to its full advantage? Why or why not?
3. The last section suggests that homophily helps to shape our world view because we surround ourselves by people and media who agree with our own beliefs. Even after reading Gladstone's book, do you believe that people can objectively analyze an argument?
4. How does the second half of "Influencing the Machine" connect to the information on propaganda that we talked about yesterday in class?
1. I think there is a place for full disclosure in our media. Online personalities and celebrities are good examples, where their opinions only help to build their credibility and respect from the community. Legacy media, however, I don't think is as candid about their truly individual opinions, rather they keep it tucked away so that it doesn't poorly influence their viewership. I would be welcome to it, though. Knowing the person's affiliations credits them and their work. And I think it forces to audience to take it a step beyond to not judge them on it. I would hope that, for myself, I could fully know that a reporter has opposing views, but understand that their reporting is purposefully objective and I have to see past myself to appreciate their work.
ReplyDelete2. The technology topic is weird for me. I feel that we do take advantage of society but I feel like we take it for granted, if that is understandable. We use technology all around us, to get information, find the truth communicate, etc.; but sometimes I think we allow it to become a crutch. A crutch in the way that we stunt our own learning and thinking because we can not form OUR own opinions without finding out what others believe and inferring from there. I believe that our mind is powerful and if we do not use it, it will slowly decay and technology inhibits that.
ReplyDeleteTo add on to Paula's statement, do we not choose news stations based on these disclosures that we either like/enjoy or do not like/can't stand. We select those based on our personalities and likeness, I do not believe any other way around that.
I think that it's nearly impossible to completely analyze an argument objectively. We all carry our own biases, and it can be difficult to remove those predetermined opinions. With the technology today homophily is only increasing. People can search and connect with like minded people and never have to venture far from their own beliefs. With the internet, news stations, newspapers, books, etc., there is something for everyone. Technology can serve as a great tool for getting information, but only if used properly. Most people use technology for entertainment, rather than for learning, and rarely search for opinions outside their own. I believe that this inhibits people from become objective, even though all of the information is at our fingertips.
ReplyDelete