Issue 18: Are People Better Informed in the Information Society?

Technology plays a large role in today's society. There are many forms of technology that have made it into our everyday lives and we probably don't even recognize how significant they have become. For example, the use of cell phones. With new smart phones, such as the iPhone, it's so simple to obtain information and communicate with others. In the text, we have Linda Jackson and Mark Bauerlein have different arguments concerning this issue. Linda Jackson, who argues YES, conducted a survey and found that youth who use the internet often, had higher scores when it came to standardized testing and had higher GPA's. Mark Bauerlein, who argues NO, considers this generation, "the dumbest generation". He believes that "the information age has failed to produce a well-informed, thoughtful public. Instead we have a nation of know-nothings who don't read, follow politics, or vote-and who can't compete internationally." (Pg. 364).

In class, we discussed how as technology advances, we become more dependent on it. We also discussed how because of this dependency, there are people who lack the ability to acquire knowledge. For example, the calculator. It's a form of technology that we use for math, but can we say that we are able to do math, without it? I believe that both arguments in the book have good points. Again, I feel that they don't really do a good job at answering the question. Although, I agree with each point to a certain extent. Although we do develop somewhat of a dependency on technology, it doesn't mean we don't acquire the necessary knowledge. Our generation is still helping advance technology.

Issue 3: Do Media Represent Realistic Images of Arab?

I feel that, since the incident of 9/11, a lot of people stereotype Arabs to be Muslim. This creates an unfair, general fear among non-Arabs. In the text, we have Gal Beckerman and Jack Shaheen who have different arguments when it comes to this issue. Journalist Gal Beckerman, who argues YES, talks about Arab bloggers from the Middle East who challenge these stereotypes. Because the blogs can be accessed worldwide, people can see that not all Arab and Middle Eastern culture are the same and see them for who they are as an individual. I feel that Beckerman makes a good point, but does not necessarily answer the given question. Jack Shaheen, who argues NO, discusses how events such as 9/11, as well as Hollywood's images of Arabs, have influenced politicians and citizens opinions in a more negative way. Within this issue, there is also misperceptions about "the other" in the media. The stereotypes on Arabs, is just an example. In my opinion, I feel that the media does not reprent realistic images of Arab. Personally, I have been affected by such events and the media. I know it's wrong to think such things, but once such stereotypes are placed in mind, it's hard to ignore them completely.

"City Weighs Medical Pot Ban" (The Daily Journal)

Redwood City has placed a suspension of activity on medical marijuana businesses, until decided otherwise by the Planning Commission. City staff has found it "costly and time consuming" to have enforcement on the businesses. The temporary moratorium that has been placed could, in place of a ban, ask for just limited number of facilities to be allowed. I feel that the issue of marijuana, whether it be used for medical purposes or not, (as obvious as it sounds) will always remain a controversy. No matter what the city decides to do, there will always be people who will fight for the opposite, especially with the circumstances of our economy. In my opinion, it would be unfair to have the city ban medical marijuana indefinitely. Although there is the issue of crimes escalating, there are still people who need it for medical purposes.

Abstract/Articles on the Information Society

Queensland University of Technology

OECD

EBSCO

Issue 4: Do Media Cause Individuals to Develop Negative Body Images?

I feel that media does in fact afftect society's description on the "ideal body type". For many women, it's ideal to be fit, with a small waist, long hair, and large female parts, if you will. For many men, it's ideal to be muscular and a "ladies man". There is also the notion of power because power is the key to success. In the text, we have Shari L. Dworkin and Faye Linda Wachs, that argue YES. We also have Michael P. Levine and Sarah K. Murnen who argue NO. Dworkin and Wachs argue that a healthy body is attainable if he/she buy the proper products and pamper themselves. Also, there is the issue of being "fat" and how it's something to fear. Levine and Murnen focus more on how girls who have developed negative body issues are influenced by social, cultural and behavorial issues. Yet, I question whether the points to this argument were done in an ethically correct manner. On page 84 of the text, it states: "Two recent experiments by Bardone-Cone and Cass examined the effects of a web site that they constructed to feature the protypical content of proana sites." The fact that the websites were constructed could call for errors in their results.

I feel that the arguments in the text didn't do a great job at answering the given question. Also, there are so many different aspects to the issue. In my opinion, media does have the ability to cause individuals to develop a negative body image. Although, the affect of media can only go so far. It's up to the individual to determine whether or not the media has a say in how he/she looks.

Issue 9: Does Fake News Mislead the Public?

In the text, Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Mass Media and Society, we have scholars such as Julia R. Fox and Barry A. Hollander, who have formed their opinions on this issue. Julia R. Fox, has come up with the argument that the hype and humor found in fake news, make it difficult to recieve news that is substantive or factual. This also ties into the issue of young voters using fake news as a source for political coverage. Fox's argument refers mainly to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. On page 177 in the text, it reads, "McKain goes so far as to consider whether those who only get their news from The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will "get" the jokes without benefit of learning factual information first from traditional news source." Then, we have Barry A. Hollander who argues that not all knowledge is the same. Also, entertainment-based programs contribute understanding to the issue at hand, which is common for younger viewers. Data from a national survey was used to see whether fake news did it's job of informing the viewers. This was also done, while focusing on recall and recognition, finding that the programs are more associated with recognition of information.

In my opinion, fake news does not necessarily mean it's "fake". Although hype and humor are a great part of it, it is possible to obtain factual and substantive information. By watching shows such as The Colbert Report and The Daily Show, it was easier to retain information. I'll admit that the amount of substantive information did not meet the amount of substantive information in traditional news. Mojority of the content is made up of hype and humor, but that's what attracts viewers, especially younger ones, such as myself.

Marijuana Survey Video