SAGE Lecture Spark 8.13.18 The Publisher of the Social Sciences

Trump Explains His Theory of Mass Communication Trump emphasized that mass media is live and that it shows not only his view, but “our” point-of-view. He asserted that, “you don’t get the real view from the fake news media.” “The remarks came just one day after Bill Shine, the ousted Fox News executive turned White House deputy chief of staff for communications, blocked CNN White House correspondent Kaitlan Collins from attending a press with Trump and European Commission president Jean-Claude Junker.”

The Medium of Twitter Is Changing New York Times writer and White House Correspondent writes that, “Twitter has stopped being a place where I could learn things I didn’t know, glean information that was free from errors about a breaking news story or engage in a discussion and be reasonably confident that people’s criticisms were in good faith.” “The viciousness, toxic partisan anger, intellectual dishonesty, motive-questioning and sexism are at all-time highs, with no end in sight.” She does not believe that Twitter helps political discourse any longer.

North Korea Constructs New Internet Communication Headquarters A new Internet Communication Bureau headquarters in Pyongyang is nearly complete, according to satellite imagery and reports. The indications of Korea and understanding by Korean political scholars is that they wish to be more involved in not only having internet within the country, but be more connected to the global internet network and processes. The average North Korean does not currently have their own internet source, but can use it in certain government buildings with monitored and limited accessibility.

Twitter Is Drafting a Policy on “Dehumanizing Speech” Recently Twitter allowed far-right conspiracy theorist and radio host, Alex Jones to remain on Twitter, despite tweets that resembled hate speech. As a result of the backlash, they are drafting a policy on how to handle harassing, dehumanizing, and other hateful speech on their site.

Key Concepts Technology and Medium in Today‘s Mass Communication: Medium Theory (e.g. McLuhan and Postman) Social Constructivism Self-Identity in the Internet Age Medium as Political Tool Links to Relevant Articles

Assessment Writing: Make a list of all the communication mediums and technologies you use in a normal day. How do you use these mediums? How much? How is your use of communication technology different today from 1, 5, or 10 years ago? Thinking back on the changes that have occurred—how do you think technology and new mediums will shape mass communication in the future?   Debate: Starting with the Vox article about dehumanizing speech on Twitter, consider the nature of free speech on Twitter and beyond. Should internet sites allow total free speech? Some limiting? Where should lines be drawn?  Poll: Consider your daily use of different communication mediums. Yesterday, which of these did you use? Pick all that apply, and instructors will tally the results. Telephone, Texting, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Reddit, Radio, Newspaper, or A news website.  Short Answer: How is your self-identity constructed on the internet? Do certain websites help you define “you”? Current Events Quiz 1. Which of the following media outlets are preferred by Democrats over Republicans? 2. According to the articles we read, which of the following issues are most controversial for American brands/corporations to support/advocate? 3. According to the articles we read, which of the following issues are the least controversial for American brands/corporations to support/advocate? 4. Democrats have a ____ trusting view of the media, as compared with Republicans. 5.  Which online media source’s use is on the decline? Answers 1. Comedy Central, HBO and MTV 2. Gun control and abortion 3. Gay and civil rights 4. More 5. Facebook

Quiz Time! 1. Maggie Habermas believes Twitter is changing in what way(s)? 2. According to the article “Amusing Ourselves to Trump,” the author relates technology and change under the Trump presidency to the work of: 3. Twitter recently received great backlash for its decision to: 4. Research on North Korea, partly using satellite imagery lead one of our articles to conclude North Korea is: 5. In expressing his views on mass communication, Donald Trump recently emphasized: Current Events Quiz 1. Maggie Habermas believes Twitter is changing in what way(s)? 2. According to the article “Amusing Ourselves to Trump,” the author relates technology and change under the Trump presidency to the work of: 3. Twitter recently received great backlash for its decision to: 4. Research on North Korea, partly using satellite imagery lead one of our articles to conclude North Korea is: 5.  In expressing his views on mass communication, Donald Trump recently emphasized: Answers 1. The information on it is having more errors. 2. Neil Postman. 3. Allow radio host and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones to remain on the site. 4. Working to facilitate greater connection to the global internet. 5. The “live” nature of media.