Discussion 10 - Visual Communication Online

The Social Semiotics method is a study that looks at meaning, and how it is portrayed through communication and design, both online and in social interactions. Social Semiotics was heavily researched beginning in the early 1900's, and is important to our everyday communication. It is important because it helps us understand how communication works in society, and how there are different learned signs and symbols in different cultures. Multimodality is one method of Social Semiotics, where multiple forms of communication are considered - language, gestures, images, and more. Also, including context with communication is a key factor in understanding social cues in different cultures and situations. Placing photos on certain parts of the screen can help readers interpret text better - for example, placing photos on the left side of the screen can help people process them faster than if they are on the right. 

Here is one example of image placement, a National Geographic page with a mountain lion - the image is placed on the top, with text below. We automatically look at the text below for context about this image, and we look below the image for more information about it. Opening an article with a bold photo that distracts from the rest of the page catches your attention and leads you to read on about it. 

One more example of image placement is the Dune: Part Two review page on Rotten Tomatoes. When you first open the page, you see reviews for other movies and the trailer for the movie you clicked on. It takes a little bit of scrolling to find the ratings and reviews for the movie itself. On the left, and usually the first thing you see, will be links to other movies that are featuring right now. On the right, you see the trailer for the movie you clicked to review. It seems like the intention here is to keep you clicking through movie reviews, since they are the first thing you see and they are easily accessible.

Discussion 9 - Online Arguments

 The online argument I will be discussing is in the comments section of a YouTube video. The video is about professional basketball, where player Tracy McGrady is seen making an almost impossible comeback to save his team, the Houston Rockets, from defeat.

The argument began as seen below, but carries on into several years of arguing over a variety of things:

I chose to discuss this argument because since it's YouTube, there will be a lot of senseless arguing, but this one was very hostile for seemingly no reason. 

The first concern I have with this is that missing a shot in basketball does not equate to events like 9/11, this is a rather extreme example for this argument. My second concern is that for the last 8 years, the antagonist (@infekt) has been logging in to continue arguing with people in this comment thread. There is no point to doing this, and the original topic of argument was changed within the first year. This brings me to my third concern, that the argument has become targeted and personal for those involved, and is not respectful or civil. Comments have been deleted and changed, and hurtful things have been said to people involved.

When arguing online, it is important to see both sides of a debate to present a well-rounded argument. This is known as rebuttal. It is also important to be respectful and use netiquette when talking to others, even if the situation is frustrating. Thirdly, if an argument progresses beyond being civil and practicing netiquette, it is a good idea to not engage in it any more. Try to support your arguments with sources and valid information as much as possible. Lastly, keep in mind your online presence when employers and family are looking at your activity - it is easy to influence your reputation when chatting online.

Week 8 Discussion - Toulmin Method

The Toulmin method provides a structured approach to arguing online by providing a claim, a grounds, and a warrant. The claim is the point the argument is trying to make. The grounds is the evidence or reasoning, and the warrant is the connection of the claim and grounds. Evidence and claims can be provided for the warrant itself, which is called backing. In cases where the warrant is conditional or void, a qualifier can be added that explains why the warrant is still valid under certain circumstances. Finally, in most well-written arguments, we have the rebuttal, which is the acknowledgement or addition of other viewpoints in an argument. All of these components discussed in the Toulmin method provide a strong argument for discussing issues online.

One argument that the Toulmin method would be useful is on a public forum such as Facebook, discussing local issues within a community. Individuals could write a well-rounded argument for why specific issues should be addressed, or why their local authorities should prioritize events. However, in some cases, the Toulmin method has challenges - for example, presenting too much information at a time can cause readers to skim over or ignore your posts. Having a strong emotional response, rather than a logical response, can affect how one's argument is perceived (it can also cause the argument to escalate). Presenting arguments online can also open doors to backlash and emotionally-charged responses that are difficult to receive. Being thoughtful, removing emotion from fact, and adding emotion where needed is a good way to avoid this. Having condensed posts that are easy to read can help prevent information overload and attract a greater audience.

Discussion 7 - Research Podcast

So I was looking around online for some podcasts and I tried one called Communication Junkie, hosted by Steven Fuller on Apple Podcasts (and is also available on Spotify). He is a professor at the University of Cincinnati. All of the episodes are very short and take about 1.5-2 hours to fully listen through. In his podcasts he discusses miscommunications and communication conflicts, both in-person and online. He discusses a wide range of topics through different episodes, such as the struggles of social media, the influence one can have when publicly speaking, cultural differences and associated communication barriers, and more. He also discusses the influence of media in everyday fashion and popular themes - something discussed in this week's readings in Communicating Online by Julia Green. In the chapter Agenda-Setting Theory (p. 368), she discusses how the media shapes what the general public thinks about specific topics, and how things will change in popularity status based on public opinion. Some of the podcast episodes, as well as the textbook, discuss how the media chooses to focus our attention and influences our decisions.

The book and podcast discussed:

Green, Julia (2017). Communicating Online. McGraw Hill Education.
Fuller, Steven (2021-2022). Communication Junkie. Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/communication-junkie/id1333247214

Discussion 6 - The Battle For Public Opinion

 

• Social media platforms have become powerful battlegrounds where various individuals, organizations, and even governments engage in the battle for public opinion. Considering the rapid dissemination of information and the ability for anyone to voice their perspectives, how has this online landscape transformed the dynamics of public opinion formation and communication strategies? In your response, discuss the key factors contributing to the online battle for public opinion and analyze the potential implications for society, democracy, and interpersonal relationships. Additionally, provide examples of successful or controversial online campaigns that have significantly influenced public opinion and explain the underlying communication tactics. Lastly, what ethical considerations should individuals and organizations consider when participating in this battle for public view online?

Public communication has changed dramatically in the last 20 years we have had widespread access to the internet and public forums. We have gone from relying on the news and he-said-she-said to exposure through TikTok, Instagram, Google searches, and more. With the ability to look up information we are able to form strong opinions on subjects without needing a lot of exposure, but we normally learn about things first through TikToks or posts. Also, having the approval of the Internet has become a powerful tool for social events and personal matters - it's common for someone to say "TikTok, do your thing," or "Twitter, do your thing," and the public will willingly dox people or organize events just because they feel like they should. 

When considering participating in these battles, one should consider all sides of a story and any legal implications of their actions before they perform them. Additionally, one needs to make sure they are careful of the information they share and not assume they are right when looking for public opinion, because people will absolutely take their time to search someone's online history. They will turn the public against them behind the anonymity of the Internet should they feel the person is not deserving of a good public opinion.

Discussion 5 - Online Communication, Business Assessment

 The business I have chosen to discuss for this assignment is Cleveland Metroparks.  A link to their website can be found here.

The company does a good job communicating on its website and social media platforms, except for Twitter (now called X). The company communicates events and activities diligently and actively. On Twitter, the company's posts are all out of order, displaying posts from 2018 before 2022. I am unsure how actively this platform is updated, or if this is because of any new changes to the Twitter website. 

At the top of the company's website, quick blurbs are featured: naming new tiger cubs, buying merch for the 2024 eclipse, and registering for summer camps. In the middle of the site are more links to events and upcoming activities. Finally, at the bottom of the site, all of the 'about' information is listed, with links to employment and social media platforms. I believe it is organized this way to capture reader's attention with information they may be interested in. In my opinion, the way the website is laid out is effective, but it is a little cluttered and hard to follow.

The business does communicate an identity online, working as an award-winning park management team that aims for a better planet. The business could improve its online communication on Twitter, but otherwise, it is very active and communicates with followers regularly.

Discussion 4 - Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

 

• According to Prensky, what is the immigrant/native divide, and how has it affected how students learn?

Digital immigrants are defined as the people who learned how to live before internet and technology boomed - they have had to adapt to the introduction of technology and the internet as it grew in popularity. Digital natives are defined as the people who grew up familiar with the language and use of technology, and never had to adapt. The divide between the two shows a staggering difference in how digital immigrants and digital natives think and process information. This affects how students learn because digital immigrants have to change their learning style to adapt to the thinking process of natives, and natives have to navigate a pre-technology teaching style they aren't familiar with.

Here is a link to a study I had to review for a class some years ago, discussing the relationship between attention span and the development of mobile technology. Basically, with more information ready at the tip of our fingers, our attention span and patience diminish because we don't need to focus on a task or research for long periods of time. It's a little tidbit I thought I'd add that's somewhat related to this week's content.

• According to Prensky, what category do you fall into, and how has this affected your learning?

I fall into the digital immigrant category, but only because I was not able to use technology or the internet until I was in my late teens. I am slow to learning new devices and internet terms, but I am a fast learner and I pick up quickly. I believe I am a fast learner because of my age and willingness to learn. Sometimes I still feel like phone and computer software updates too fast for me, and I have to learn new things all the time to keep up - new Tiktok slang, new apps and features to customize and learn - but I am able to catch up with it eventually.