#Media and Communication

[leonard-chia]

MDA 20009 Digital Communities Third Blog Post Week 7

Topic : What are the dangers of the reliance of social media for public health campaign ?

Hey there! 👋 Today, we're diving into the week 7 topic, lets start !

As social media takes over more aspects of our lives, it’s no surprise that it’s become a popular tool for public health campaigns. Social platforms offer massive reach, are super accessible, and make it easy to tailor messages for different audiences. But, as much as social media seems like a no-brainer for spreading health information, relying on it too much actually has some pretty big downsides. Let’s break down the risks and limitations of using social media as the main stage for public health messages.

1. Spread of Misinformation and Disinformation

Social media is everywhere these days, and while it’s a great way to stay informed, it also comes with a big downside: the rapid spread of misinformation about health.

Think back to the COVID-19 pandemic. As people searched for answers, social media exploded with posts about supposed cures and prevention methods, many of which had no scientific backing (Barua, 2020). These myths went viral so quickly that they often overshadowed accurate, trusted information, making it harder for people to know what to believe.

he intentional spread of false information, or "disinformation." Unlike simple rumours (Lewandowsky 2012), disinformation is often shared on purpose, sometimes for political or financial reasons.

A good example is how some anti-vaccine groups use social media to push misleading information about vaccines. Their posts create fear and doubt, which can lead people to skip vaccinations altogether. This kind of disinformation isn’t just misleading, it can actually harm public health by reducing vaccine uptake and putting more people at risk.

2. Echo Chambers and Confirmation Bias

Ever notice how social media tends to show us posts and videos that fit what we already believe? That’s no accident, it's the algorithms at work, creating what's called an "echo chamber." In these spaces, people mostly see content that reinforces their views, making it less likely they’ll come across or accept ideas that don’t align with theirs (Cabianca, Hammond & Gutierrez 2020).

This is a real challenge for public health campaigns, as it can limit how far accurate information spreads, especially when people are mostly seeing messages that reinforce their existing beliefs or even contradict health advice.I’ve seen this happen in my own life. Some people, for example, are extremely attached to certain perspectives and will debate passionately with others, insisting they’re 100% right. Take the case of some Chinese Malaysians who feel strongly if someone criticizes China, even though they were born and raised in Malaysia. It surprises me, as I’m also a Malaysian Chinese but don’t feel any strong personal connection to China; to me, what happens there isn’t really my business. It just goes to show how powerful

3. Privacy Concerns and Trust Issues

These campaigns often gather data to personalize their messages and reach the right people. But with growing concerns about privacy and data misuse, some folks find this approach a bit too intrusive, and it can create distrust. This has become especially relevant as people’s trust in social media companies has taken a dive in recent years.

So, a reminder always be cautious about what you share online! You may have good intentions, but not everyone on social media does. A little privacy and critical thinking before believe goes a long way.

4. Limited Access and Digital Divide

Social media is definitely a powerful way to spread messages, but it’s worth remembering that not everyone has easy access to it. According to (Petrosyan 2024) As of October 2024, there were 5.52 billion internet users worldwide, which amounted to 67.5 percent of the global population. Of this total, 5.22 billion, or 63.8 percent of the world's population, were social media users. Yes its majority of us but still not all of us.

Many older adults, low-income families, and people in rural areas face challenges like limited internet access. Relying solely on social media for health campaigns could leave these groups out, meaning key health information might not reach everyone who needs it. This can limit a campaign's impact and inclusivity. So, before diving in, always have a backup plan in place to ensure everyone stays informed!

5.  Difficulty in Verifying Credibility

the challenges with social media is that anyone can post health advice, making it hard to keep track of reliable sources. Public health campaigns often have to compete with voices from non-experts, and it’s not always easy for people to tell the difference between credible info and unverified advice.

This can weaken a campaign’s effectiveness, especially if people end up following inaccurate information. So, remember to stay cautious—think carefully before believing everything you see on social media!

6. Overemphasis on Self-Promotion by Influencers

https://www.reddit.com/r/clevelandcavs/comments/2dsolj/lebron_does_the_als_ice_bucket_challenge/?rdt=39240

" Lebron James Ice bucket challenge"

Influencers are often brought on board to spread health messages in some campaigns. This can definitely help reach a wider audience, but there’s a catch. If influencers don’t really know the topic or focus more on self-promotion than accuracy, the message can get lost. Plus, if followers sense that an influencer is just doing it for a pay check, trust in the message can take a big hit. It’s a reminder to stay mindful—don’t underestimate how social media can sometimes lead us down the wrong path with misleading information.

Conclusion

Social media is a great tool for public health campaign outreach, but relying on it too much has its risks. To avoid these pitfalls, public health campaigns should make social media just one part of a bigger strategy. Combining it with traditional media, community engagement, and partnerships with trusted local organizations creates a balanced approach. This way, campaigns can reach more people, cut down on misinformation, and make sure important health information stays accessible and reliable.

Reference

Barua, Z, Barua, S, Aktar, S, Kabir, N & Li, M 2020, ‘Effects of misinformation on COVID-19 individual responses and recommendations for resilience of disastrous consequences of misinformation’, Progress in Disaster Science, vol. 8, no. 8, p. 100119.

Lewandowsky, S, Ecker, UKH, Seifert, CM, Schwarz, N & Cook, J 2012, ‘Misinformation and Its Correction: Continued Influence and Successful Debiasing’, Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 106–131.

Cabianca, P, Hammond, P & Gutierrez, M 2020, ‘What is a Social Media Echo Chamber?’, Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations, viewed <https://advertising.utexas.edu/news/what-social-media-echo-chamber>.

Petrosyan, A 2024, ‘Number of internet and social media users worldwide as of July 2024’, Statista, viewed <https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/>.

[muffinlevelchicanery]

[sageuniversitybpl]

7 Career Options after MA in Journalism and Mass Communication

SAGE University Bhopal, School of Journalism and Mass Communication offers BAJMC and MAJMC programs to prepare students for these exciting career opportunities in media and communication. After completing a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, graduates can explore various career opportunities. Here’s a list of the seven most popular job roles available after an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication:

1. Journalist (Print/Broadcast/Online)

Report news, investigate stories, and present information through different media channels. Journalists play a key role in informing the public on important topics.

2. News Anchor

Deliver news on TV or radio with professionalism and clarity. Anchors are responsible for accurately presenting breaking news and significant events.

3. Content Writer/Editor

Create and edit written content for websites, blogs, or publications. Writers and editors ensure the accuracy, clarity, and engagement of written material.

4. Public Relations Specialist

Manage communication between organizations and the public, focusing on image-building and media relations. PR specialists craft messages that shape public perception.

5. Social Media Manager

Develop social media strategies and engage audiences on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Managers help brands grow their presence and connect with their audience.

6. Advertising/Brand Manager

Create and execute advertising campaigns that promote products or services. Brand managers analyze consumer behavior to increase brand visibility and loyalty.

7. Video Editor/Producer

Produce and edit videos for films, TV shows, and digital platforms. Video editors ensure the final product is visually appealing and narratively coherent.

[jessiarts]

I've been curious about this for awhile now, and with a re-surge of the "hey you know you tumblr doesn't have an algorithm and you need to reblog things here if you want to see more of stuff and/or support creators" posts I think I'll finally make a poll to test a theory, Which is that: 1) Where you came from before tumblr has a heavy influence on if you reblog posts or not and 2) That the decline in reblogs has come from a influx of users from other social media over the recent years who were conditioned to interact with 'content' in a "more passive consumption, less community-interaction" way. So, whether you reblog posts or not- I want to know where you came from before tumblr

[Clarification: For the purposes of this poll, "do reblog" refers to if you often reblog the posts that you enjoy. This doesn't mean that you reblog every single post that comes on your dash- just that you reblog posts more than you hit the Like button and/or you regularly also reblog posts that you hit the Like button for. If you rarely reblog (i.e: you exclusively hit the Like button on more posts than you reblog, and/or have an empty blog), then please choose "don't reblog"]

Also, obligatory, "Please reblog for larger sample size" Because: science

[petnews2day]

Angie Harmon 'traumatised' after delivery driver kills her dog | Entertainment

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/qz439

Angie Harmon 'traumatised' after delivery driver kills her dog | Entertainment

Angie Harmon has been left “traumatised and beyond devastated” after a delivery driver shot and killed her dog when dropping off a grocery order. The former ‘Law and Order’ star took to Instagram to mourn the loss of her beloved pet Oliver revealing he was shot dead outside her family home in Charlotte, North Carolina […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/qz439 #DogNews #Medicine, #ArmedForces, #Law, #MediaAndCommunication, #MotorVehicles, #NonCriminalLaw, #Photography, #PostalService, #Sports, #TheEconomy, #Trade, #Weapons, #Zoology

[nekhcore]

HEY YOU!

Yeah, you! Are you trans? Do you like reading books? Or watching movies?

Do you like media about trans men/transmasculine characters but don't know where to find it?

That's sooo crazy because I have this little spreadsheet I'm working on where I'm trying to document all media with protagonists/major characters who are FTM or transmasculine.

The spreadsheet currently has 400+ entries spread across the following categories:

Books

Manga

Memoirs and non-fiction

Movies

TV Shows

Graphic novels / Comics

Webcomics

Audio dramas

Books and movies are also sorted by:

Which character is trans (MC, love interest, antagonist, etc)

If the trans character is POC

The trans character's sexuality (Because I saw lots of transhet guys sad about only being able to find gay romances)

If the author/actor is also trans (if we know for sure)

It's free to use, and free to add to as well! Editing permissions are on, and I check on the spreadsheet every now and then to make sure everything is in order and to clean up.

If you know something that isn't on the list, please add it! You don't have to fill in every single column, but fill it to the best of your abilities.

If you don't want to use the big ass long link below, you can also use: bit.ly/FTM-protags

I made this because I want it to be a community resource. So even if you're not a trans guy or transmasculine person, please reblog!

[fleebites]

let’s catch some ponies!🐴

[nitte-university-blog]

Navigating the Future: Emerging Fields and Career Prospects in Mass Communication

In the dynamic landscape of communication, the BA Media and Communication program has become a gateway for aspiring professionals seeking diverse and exciting career paths. As technology continues to reshape the way we connect and consume information, the field of mass communication is experiencing a significant evolution. From traditional journalism to cutting-edge digital media, the opportunities are expanding, offering a multitude of avenues for those passionate about effective communication and storytelling.

One of the emerging fields within mass communication is immersive journalism. With the blossoming of virtual and augmented reality technologies, journalists now have the tools to transport audiences directly into the heart of a story. Whether it's reporting from a conflict zone or providing an immersive documentary experience, virtual reality is revolutionizing the way we engage with news. Graduates with a background in BA Media and Communication are well-equipped to explore this exciting frontier, combining their storytelling skills with technological prowess to deliver compelling narratives.

Another burgeoning domain is data journalism, driven by the increasing importance of data in today's information age. The ability to analyze and interpret data is becoming a crucial skill for journalists and communication professionals. As data-driven storytelling gains prominence, individuals with a BA Media and Communication degree can harness their analytical skills to uncover hidden trends, present complex information in a comprehensible manner, and contribute to informed public discourse.

Social media management is yet another field that has rapidly grown in importance. As businesses and organizations recognize the influence of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, there is a growing demand for experts who can navigate the intricacies of social media to build brand awareness and engage with audiences effectively. A BA Media and Communication graduate, armed with a deep understanding of communication strategies, can excel in this field, creating and curating content that resonates with diverse online communities.

The evolving landscape also brings opportunities for content creation for new media platforms. With the rise of podcasts, streaming services, and online publications, there is an increasing need for content creators who can produce engaging and high-quality material. A BA Media and Communication degree provides a solid foundation in storytelling, media production, and critical thinking, making graduates well-suited to craft compelling content across various mediums.

The demand for professionals skilled in strategic communication and public relations is on the rise as well. Organizations are recognizing the need to communicate effectively with their audiences, whether it be customers, stakeholders, or the general public. A BA Media and Communication graduate can leverage their understanding of communication theories and practices to develop and execute strategic communication plans, shaping public perceptions and fostering positive relationships.

In conclusion, as the field of mass communication continues to diversify, individuals armed with a BA Media and Communication degree are well-positioned to thrive in these exciting and evolving career paths. From immersive journalism to social media management, the opportunities are vast for those with a passion for effective communication. Looking ahead, for those aspiring to deepen their knowledge and specialize further, pursuing an advanced degree, such as an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication, can open doors to leadership roles and specialized niches within the field. This master's program provides an in-depth exploration of advanced journalistic practices, media theories, and research methodologies, preparing graduates to contribute significantly to the ever-changing landscape of mass communication.

[mysterycitrus]

watching people insist that dick grayson would post thirst traps and tiktoks and overshare online and accidentally reveal his secret identity because he’s open and honest and would never lie as if he doesn’t hate talking about himself and hides from the people he loves and rarely directly says what he’s thinking

u fool!! u have been tricked by the facade!!! a graysons nature is to perform!!

[otakunoculture]

TheNFB’s Beyond Paper. From Print to the Cloud, Why Studying Matters of the Heart & The Humanities Matters.

@TheNFB has a wonderful #documentary that everyone interested in #culture #history should watch. It's about what gets lost when preserving the written word and as for what gets lost "Beyond Paper," you just have to see to believe.

Available to view on TheNFB In Oana Suteu Khintirian‘s excellent documentary, Beyond Paper, she looks at why the written word is important, and what’s the method of preserving it. Without pen and paper, all the world is not a stage to chronicle the best of times, and even the worst of times shaped not only literature but also the passing of culture from one generation to another. While that…

[odinsblog]

Elon will probably have the community note removed, like he usually does on any facts that don’t conform to his opinion

[ale-arro]

been going a little bit insane about this sentence from Ace by Angela Chen for the past week

[laddersofsweetmisery]

I don't see enough people mourning over the slow death of physical media. And I don't just mean TV shows, video games, or movies--which don't even get me started about how we don't really 'own' anything anymore. It includes notes, journals, and letters to one another...so much of our history is lost when we lose a password, a website goes down, a file/hardware is corrupted, or a platform disappears. History that doesn't seem important until you no longer have access to it. Physical media does a lot for memory recall. How many memories will we lose because we don't have something tangible to tie it back to? Something to hold in our hands and stir up those memories we thought were once lost? Sometimes I wonder what the difference between burning a book and losing access to physical media is when someone can pull the plug and remove your access so easily.

[a-map-of-gays]

More queer media that doesn't focus on being bullied and harrassed. More queer media that doesn't centre around cis gay men. More queer media that features aros and aces. More queer media that isn't about suffering. More queer media that has genderqueer people. More queer media with characters who use multiple sets of pronouns. More queer media that has supportive parents (especially fathers). More queer media that isn't about wanting to be 'normal'. More queer media that represents all the facets of drag. More queer media that represents the whole queer community

[solar-sunnyside-up]

So I've talked about little libraries and pantries to death but this Lil guy popped up in my area recently and it's blown my mind

So I went to the website on the door and it's basically the same thing as free little library where you can pay for a box from them to get it installed OR Build one yourself