Chapter 16: Media Scope and Depth
The mediatization of society and culture demonstrates that we cannot understand human communication and behavior outside of the mediated environment in which we live. The scope and reach of media are virtually boundless; the media affect every aspect of our lives. In this chapter, we consider the ethical and moral dilemmas that occur when we construct our own new powerful visual worlds through the production of films, games, and other online activities. We also discuss the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to produce media content and the ethical issues associated with the manipulation of AI to create disinformation. This chapter considers important ethical questions that emerge from the rapidly changing media environment brought about by continually evolving digital communication technologies.
Chapter 16 – Video Introduction
Key question for the chapter
Why does it seem like the more research we do on social media uses and effects, the more we find out that it does more harm than good?
- Social media networks often bring out some of the worst human behavior because online users seek anonymity and thus evade accountability for their posts.
- Without a high value on empathy and on kindness, social media posts can be vulgar, mean, and harmful, especially when personally attacking the character of others.
- How do we balance the authenticity of social media content with a need for sensitivity to others to guard the emotional well-being of its users?
Case 74
Discussion Questions
- Why are the vast majority of online challenges harmful to the people who participate in them?
- How do online challenges targeting adolescents take advantage of their vulnerabilities?
- What can entertainment media journalists and professionals do to mitigate the harm done by extreme online challenges?
Weblinks
- Subject: The Ice Bucket Challenge helped fund a new ALS drug
- Subject: The Cinnamon Challenge Lands Many Children In Hospital
- Subject: The Blue Whale Challenge and Suicide
- Subject: Warning over TikTok ‘dry scooping’ craze as influencer suffers heart attack
Case 75
Discussion Questions
- How do we protect ourselves from the deceptive use of AI in a media environment filled with disinformation?
- How can we expose how AI is now being used with hidden political bias to manipulate online news media?
- The capabilities of AI programs like ChatGPT make it more and more difficult to identify authentic media content. Can we control this and if so, how?
Weblinks
- Subject: Reddit tricks AI into Writing an Article about a Fake WoW Character
- Subject: Does Artificial Intelligence help Journalists
- Subject: How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Journalism Without Losing Audience Trust
Case 76
Discussion Questions
- Is it ethical to craft a story to create a representation that is far from reality in order to increase its moral influence on an audience? What values are in conflict?
- What are the ethical implications associated implying that love and imagination can overcome even the worst horrors like a Nazi concentration camp?
- Is there a positive role for humor when telling tragic stories; or should humor be avoided when portraying the suffering and mistreatment of others?
Weblinks
- Subject: Life is Beautiful synopsis
- Subject: Lessons Learned from a Powerful Film
- Subject: Life is Beautiful film controversy
- Subject: Life is Beautiful Reception, Allegory, and Holocaust Laughter
Case 77
Discussion Questions
- Lead actor Denzel Washington said this in an interview when reflecting on his role in Training Day:
- “You never know how or when you’ll have an impact or how important your example can be to someone else. Even when you’re acting in a manner that’s meant merely to entertain, you strike a chord in someone and you end up enlightening.”
- Do you agree or disagree with his assessment? Explain why.
- How can an ethical film director or producer balance the portrayal of violence in a film with a sensitivity to protect audience members, especially those most vulnerable to violence’s negative effects, like those with PTSD?
- Why does Denzel Washington explain that despite the presence of evil, “his religious beliefs allow him to feel positively about the state of the world?”
Weblinks
- Subject: Training Day Movie Film Review
- Subject: Training Day Movie Synopsis and Trailer
- Subject: Training Day Movie Controversy
Case 78
Discussion Questions
- How do we best protect people in society, especially friends and family members, from “gaming disorder”?
- Do you agree with Huizinga, who said “Good gaming is an add-on advantage to a good life: fun, distraction, ordering of priorities and intentions”? Why or why not?
- Since most video games are designed to be addictive, how do we play them without being sucked into the addiction trap?
Weblinks
- Subject: Your Child’s Brain on Videogames
- Video: https://www.wsj.com/video/your-child-brain-on-videogames/0547150D-D6D7-4842-BC8A-FA5D327F58F1.html
- Articles: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-videogames-trigger-the-nightly-meltdownand-how-to-help-your-child-cope-11554206405
- https://eightify.app/summary/gaming-and-entertainment/the-impact-of-videogames-on-your-child-s-brain-wsj
- Subject: Video Game Addiction