Mind On Media: Recent Episodes
AOC Community Media
Join the convo with AOC as we break down all things Media Literacy. From judging the integrity of an online news article to the concept of confirmation bias, and how we can work to consciously offset our own bias tendencies and become healthier media consumers. Presented by AOC Community Media
Mind on Media where we’re always increasing the dialogue around relevant media literacy topics.
Today we are directing our convo toward our local community members who are interested in becoming producers and reporters of news media as a citizen journalist (for tv, podcast, social media, blog, etc.)
Topic questions:
What are some starting points/pointers for aspiring tv or podcast producers who desire to cover news stories? (Whether it be global affairs, celebrity gossip, school campus news, etc.)
What’s your perspective on the “Inverted Pyramid Structure” of news journalism & its relevance today? Does it hold tried and true or is it antiquated?
With media bias, inaccurate reporting, and sensationalism seeping into so much online content labeled as “news”, it can be difficult for the average conscious consumer to trust the people reporting the news. How/where does one begin to establish credibility for his/her own tv or podcast news show which may not yet be well-known or may yet to have a solid reputation in the mind of consumers?
Outro: Outro: You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. & We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time!
Lagniappe Reads & Resources:
Poynter - Learning from prize-winning journalism
Poynter - You Hate It, You Love It: The Inverted Pyramid
PressBooks - What Makes a Trustworthy News Source?
SchoolTube - How to Start or Improve A School TV News Show
WNYC - DIY Radio Rookies Toolkit
Democracy SOS - Supporting newsrooms in advancing democracy
Topic questions:
- What are some of the different qualities/ characteristics that today’s new generation of youth (Gen Alpha, born ~2011-2025) possess, particularly in terms of the way they digest/react to/participate in media? How do these differ from previous generations of consumers?
- “While Gen A have yet to hit their teens, they have brand influence and purchasing power beyond their years, engaging with brands, toys and products that speak to the future needs of this generation”. How might advertising companies’ efforts be changing to adapt to & target this market?
You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. & We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time!
Lagniappe Reads & Resources:
Understanding Generation Alpha (McCrindle Research 2020)
Vox - Brands are already marketing to Generation Alpha
Common Sense Census 2020 - Media Use by Kids Age 0-8 (Key findings pg. 9-13)
Technology possesses the huge potential of improving & simplifying our everyday lives. And as companies keep pivoting their products, services & operations online, we recognize more of the digital divide gap that affects our modern-day senior populations (the “young-old” 65-74, middle old “75-85” and oldest “86+)each to varying extents.
Topic Questions:
- What are some of the new-age challenges that today’s senior citizens face with the adoption of tech?
- What types of factors contribute to the generational digital divide? (Lack of access? Lack of interest? Lack of education/support? etc.)
- Are there any steps we can take to help abridge the generational digital divide?
You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. & We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time!
Lagniappe Reads & Resources:
Slate - Why Older People Really Eschew Technology
The Guardian - Older people more likely to share fake news on Facebook, study finds
The Guardian - Older users share more misinformation. Your guess why might be wrong.
Easy Tech Seniors - The Ultimate Guide to Teach Tech to Seniors
Today we are taking on the topic of online misinformation and how it has affected and influenced societal culture & behaviors.
Definitions: Misinformation vs. Disinformation
- Misinformation: false out-of-context info that is presented as a fact regardless of an intent to deceive
- Disinformation: intentionally deceptive
Topic Questions:
- Today marks the anniversary of the 2020 insurrection at the US Capitol. In reflection, can we recap to viewers why the insurrection was so troubling for US democracy?
- As we approach 2022 midterm elections this year, are social media companies currently putting forth enough efforts to dismantle widespread misinformation?What measures do you recognize, if any? How much burden of responsibility should these companies bear?
- (On Sunday, Twitter recently permanently banned Georgia Congress Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene for spreading huge bouts of COVID-19 misinformation on the platform).
- What are some of our biggest 2022 challenges to overcome surrounding the spread of online misinformation?
You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. & We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time,
Lagniappe Reads & Resources:
CNET - The Misinformation Pandemic Is Out Of Control, But There's A Fix
Recode - Marjorie Taylor Greene and Big Tech’s never-ending censorship loop
Scientific American - What Will 2022 Bring in the Way of Misinformation on Social Media? 3 Experts Weigh In
Christy and the AOC gang are back with another episode of Mind on Media: Conscious Conversations, always increasing the dialogue around relevant media literacy topics and challenging you to think critically about the realm of media as we know it. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the essential role of journalism within our local community as well as within our society at-large. Join the convo with us today as we discuss what it means (and what it takes) to be a ‘good’ journalist in the modern age of the Internet & social media.
Guiding questions:
- How would you define journalism for the uniformed viewer?
- What are the qualities of a good journalist/a good story?
- Can anyone be a journalist?
- What lies in the future for integritous journalism?
Thanks for tuning in to our Conscious Conversations. As always, you can find more info for all things media literacy and media production on our website, aocinc.org. We hope you join us for the next episode. Goodbye for now!
Lagniappe reads & resources:
American Press Institute: What makes a good story? https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/makes-good-story/
Society of Professional Journalists: To regain trust, journalists should tell our own story https://www.quillmag.com/2018/03/19/journalism-trust-media-rebecca-baker
In this episode, we are deep diving into the topic of data privacy. We’ll be breaking down the concept of your digital footprint and how this footprint can work to your best benefit OR your worst detriment.
Guiding questions:
- What is a digital footprint? What types of data make up your digital footprint?
- Is there any way to manage your online digital footprint? What are some best practices for leaving behind a strong/positive footprint?
Lagniappe Reads & Resources:
Rasmussen University
https://www.rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/what-is-digital-footprint/
Your Digital Footprint Matters - Internet Society
https://www.internetsociety.org/tutorials/your-digital-footprint-matters/
Data Privacy at Apple
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/01/data-privacy-day-at-apple-improving-transparency-and-empowering-users/
A continuation of last week’s spin-off conversation when the topic of “Cancel Culture” came up while we were discussing advertising. As usual, we raised more questions than we answered. If you want to give us your take, send us an email.
- What is “Cancel Culture?”
- Is it hindering freedom of expression, freedom of speech?
- Is it an effective way to elicit change from institutions?
This past weekend (as of this recording), we watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers claim victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 55 &, we did notice quite a few things differently about game time during this unprecedented year. Many companies and brands were hesitant to run ads this year or ‘go big’ with their message at all during the game, unsure of how to hit the right note amid the country’s current crisis. As the world of advertising in general has been shaken by the pandemic, we as media consumers must think more critically about how the industry is shifting to adjust and evolving to meet the need of more new-age consumer habits, lifestyles, values, and challenges as well.
Today we’re continuing our media literacy chat as we deconstruct some interesting Super Bowl ads and discuss the future of the digital advertising industry.
Guiding questions:
- Which ad(s) do you think were most effective in getting viewers to buy or do something, and why?
- Which “techniques of persuasion” worked best on you (whether Super Bowl ads or just in general)
- Why are some kinds of ads so popular with Super Bowl advertisers (e.g., beer, wine, liquor)?
- How is advertising changing to attract new generations of consumers?
Lagniappe Reads & resources:
Super Bowl Ads playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzNmt6M2q1bjXMaWYm8QIhqrrfuhOz5t3
Super Bowl Marketing 101 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.martechadvisor.com/articles/marketing-automation-2/best-super-bowl-marketing-ideas/
7 Predictions about the Future of Advertising https://blog.adobe.com/en/publish/2017/09/11/predictions-on-the-future-of-advertising-exb.html
The Future of Advertising: The Next 10 Years https://voluum.com/blog/future-of-advertising/
We’re back with another episode of Mind on Media: Conscious Conversations, where we are always increasing the dialogue around relevant media literacy topics and challenging you to think critically about the realm of media as you, or I, know it.
You may recall on our last episode we deep dived into conversation around digital media advertising. Well we quickly recognized that it’s a very faceted topic to cover all in one segment, so we’re coming back to you with more advertising talk, but this time as it relates to our nation’s youth demographic.
Guiding questions:
What makes an ad for kids successful?
How are advertising techniques toward youth changing/evolving?
How can I teach my kids/students about advertising?
Some Lagniappe reads & resources:
Buy Me That! A Kids' Survival Guide to TV Advertising (VHS 1989) Advertising: how it influences children and teenagers
4 Ways Ads Target Kids, and What to Do About It
It’s Christy with the rest of the AOC gang and today we are chatting about all things digital media advertising. Why should you care about media advertising? Well, digital marketing experts have estimated that most Americans in 2020 were exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 ads each day (Forbes). With more companies stepping up their digital advertising game and becoming more strategic in their delivery, some Americans aren’t sure how to actually detect when they’re encountering media ads or know what factors determine the ads they see. Join the convo with AOC today as we respond to some of the most commonly Googled questions about digital media advertising.
Just a few Lagniappe reads & resources:
Superbowl ads changing due to pandemic ~2min
Apple vs. Facebook: The Ad Privacy Battle ~6min
Advertorials and Native Advertising ~5min
Brand boycott: What’s the future of ads on social media? ~9min
7 Predictions About the Future of Advertising - Adobe
Warning! This episode does contain bleeped profanity! Tune out if the suggestion of questionable language is offensive to you!
We hear talks about the First Amendment crop up often as a defense by citizens who want to say whatever they want, as it is their right to free speech. But really how free is your free speech? Join the convo with AOC as we break down what it means to be protected by the First Amendment and how this applies in the context of your favorite social media platforms.
1st Amendment:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” – The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
Guiding questions we can chat about:
- In simple terms, what is the First Amendment and what does it do specifically for free speech?
- To what extent does the First Amendment apply to social media companies like Facebook and Twitter?
- What is hate speech? Is the continuing rise of extremism inevitable if hate speech is legally protected?
- President Trump was impeached a second time for “incitement of insurrection.” What is incitement speech?
What types of speech are not protected under the First Amendment?
Types of speech that aren’t protected include:
- Incitement to imminent lawless action
- Defamation
- True threats
- Fighting words
Join the convo with AOC as we break down the concept of confirmation bias, why it matters, and how we, as media consumers, can work to consciously offset our own bias tendencies.
A few good Sources:
Don’t Let Confirmation Bias Narrow Your Perspective
Why Do Our Brains Love Fake News?
Definition of Confirmation Bias (via the News Literacy Project) - The tendency to search for, interpret, and recall information that supports what we already believe.
Guiding Questions:
- In what ways does confirmation bias affect us? (Where have you witnessed/experienced it within yourself, or others, on social media, in workplaces, during the pandemic, etc.
- What are some ways that we can work to uncover and “deprogram” our own confirmation bias?
You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time,
Follow along with AOC Staff members as we use our critical thinking caps to judge the integrity of an online news article.
Article Link: Scientists say the coronavirus is airborne. Here’s what that means. - VoxMedia
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2020/7/13/21315879/covid-19-airborne-who-aerosol-droplet-transmission-cdc
Play along with us by checking out the link above and then choose 1 or 2 aspects of the article to critically analyze. ex: Could be words, links, sites, names/references, tone, context, etc. anything that stands out that you believe strengthens or weakens the integrity or credibility of the article/presents an obvious or subtle bias/etc. Walk us through your thought process.
You can find out more info about AOC, all things media production and media literacy, on our website at aocinc.org. We hope you join us again for more conscious conservations. Until next time,