Assignment Task:
This week, we will read about the digital divide and the power dynamics of technology. We learned there are four corporations that control 90% of what is read, watched, or listened to via the media (Chayko, p. 197). When searching for information online, we tend to find information and sources that support our own views. Along with media as a business, the need to sensationalize content can skew perceptions.
Imagine you are an intern for a local gubernatorial campaign. You have been tasked with researching one of the campaign's controversial topics. The candidate will use your memo to help them decide how to position their debate on the topic.
Contemplate some of the most controversial topics in media these days:
Gun control (can incorporate school shootings with this subject or have it as a standalone)
- Abortion
- Vaccines
- Privacy rights
- Gender identity
- Global climate change
- Marijuana legalization
- Immigration
- Student debt crisis
- Censorship
- Animal testing
- E-cigarettes & vaping
- Religion & public schools
- Book banning in schools
- Childhood obesity
- Concussions in football
- Minimum wage
Select 1 of the controversial topics above. If there is another controversial topic in the media that you are interested in objectively presenting for this assignment, please reach out to me and run the topic by me prior to completing the assignment.
Find 2 opposing viewpoints for your selected topic.
Write a 1,200- to 1,350-word 'memo'. This is to be an objective, academic assignment. Please leave feelings/emotions/your own personal biases at the door, be ready to present the facts & cover all required elements of content below.
Respond to all of the following in your memo:
Identify and explain/give some background on the controversial topic you picked.
Research the first viewpoint.
Describe the viewpoint.
Identify the source of this information.
Evaluate the credibility of the source (is it credible or not? why/why not? what makes it credible/not credible?).
Research the alternative viewpoint.
Describe the viewpoint.
Identify the source of this information.
Evaluate the credibility of the source (is it credible or not? why/why not? what makes it credible/not credible?).
Describe how each viewpoint uses sensationalism. Present at least 3 examples of this for each viewpoint. Need Assignment Help?
Review the credibility of both viewpoints. Who do you think is more credible (regardless of the viewpoint you might follow)? Why are they more credible? Support this with at least 2 examples.
Explain how sensationalism and echo chambers can hurt society as one might investigate these controversial topics. Support this explanation with 2 examples.
Recommend how you (a person) can avoid succumbing to sensationalism and echo chambers in an online world. Support this recommendation with at least 2-3 examples.
Incorporate information from and cite at least 2 credible sources to support your assignment (no Wikipedia, no social media, etc.).
Format the sources, both in text and in your reference section, according to APA guidelines.