week 9 - Thinking Critically About The Media

Week 9

Thinking Critically About The Media

This week I really learn about an interesting topic which is media. As a critical thinker I should aware of the presence and power of media. First thing we look at suggestion in daily life. We use suggestion to create an impression in our personal lives which help us to look better in some way that we actually are. In professional world, the power of suggestion is worked out in different industry. Also, not forget to media. Suggestions in media are two different types, suggestion in electronic media and suggestion in print media.

Mass media include all print and electronic media intended to inform, entertain and much more. News media acts as middle agent as a bridge between us and the world of events occurring around us. News media takes advantage of viewer’s unwillingness to think rigorously and deliver the news in non-contextual but entertaining manner.

When we watch news programs or talk shows, we must aware on the selection of issues, the use of time, use of language, the nonverbal element of clothing and camera angle and distance. One method to attract and entertain viewers is called sensationalism which they choose interesting stories. This is what we say about the selection of issues. When we consider about time factor, there are two elements of time that can influence viewers which are placement of stories and quantity of time for coverage.

The use of language plays an important role because the use of reporter’s language can affect the audience perception of an issue. Nonverbal element of clothing means the way someone is dressed helps us to suggest his character and appropriateness for a given role. Camera angle and distance can influence audience to focus on the news or talk shows.

Next we move to suggestion in print media. As a critical thinker I can be a responsible reader when I consider the use of headline, balance of reporting on issue, fairness in editorial essays and letters, photo composition.

Headlines are important because many readers read the headline and going back to read the article when they are interest in that. Balance of reporting on issue is the selection and arrangement of news are important to cover and what page they appear. Fairness in editorial essays and letters means as a critical thinker, it is important to realize that reporting are not always objective and that the editorial pages are set aside to reflect opinions of readers. Lastly, photo composition can be described as a picture is worth a thousand words. So, as a critical thinker I should able to critically evaluate news message by using different criteria.

Furthermore, advertising plays an important role in a person’s life. There are several common advertising ploys. Humor used to create in the viewer a pleasant and memorable association with the product. Catchy slogans are different products have their own slogans. In addition, emotive language is used usually in brand loyalty which rooted in emotion rather than reason. Anxiety ads play on our anxieties, fears and insecurities. Feel good ads create positive emotional association. While weasel words used to dilute a claim so that it becomes practically meaningless.  The other three things are fine print disclaimer, celerity endorsement and sex appeal.

Subliminal persuasion often used in media which gives us more power as thinkers, consumers and voters. In advertisement, designers are usually use subtle phasing, combination colours and formats to attract us to certain products. I must be aware of the use of subliminal persuasion as a critical thinker.

Media literacy empowers people to be both critical thinkers and creative producers. When we evaluate the quality of internet resources, we must consider several things which are authority, accuracy, objectivity and currentness.

The lesson I gained from this week is very useful to me because I learn how to think critically about the media. My rating is improved from 3 to 4 for the question I can remain focused on the exact requirements of an activity. I give the same rating 3 for the question; I am good at identifying unfair techniques used to persuade readers. I rate 4 for the question I know how to evaluate source materials. Lastly, I rate 4 for the question; if I am not sure about something, I will research to find out more. I usually use Google to learn new things.  These are what I learn this week. Thank you for critical thinking to make me a better critical thinker.