Free Bachelor of Journalism: Media Impact on Society Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term "digital divide" refer to?
- Inequalities between groups in their access to media and information technology (Correct answer)
- Inequalities between poor people and rich people
- Division between the people that have smartphones and those who do not
- All of the above
Correct answer: Inequalities between groups in their access to media and information technology
The 'digital divide' specifically describes the gap between demographics and regions that have readily available access to modern information and communication technology, and those that do not. This includes disparities in internet access, computer ownership, and digital literacy. It highlights how these inequalities can exacerbate existing social and economic disparities.
Question 2: How is the internet currently utilized?
- Newspapers
- Instant messaging
- Both B & C (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Both B & C
The internet is a versatile platform with numerous applications. While newspapers have an online presence, instant messaging and email are fundamental and widespread communication tools that represent direct utilization of the internet's core functionalities for personal and professional exchange. These methods facilitate real-time and asynchronous communication globally.
Question 3: Can you explain the concept of catharsis in the context of media violence, where the shock effect of witnessing violence in the media motivates someone to take action against real-life violence?
- TRUE
- FALSE (Correct answer)
- Maybe
- None of these
Correct answer: FALSE
The concept of catharsis, when applied to media violence, generally suggests that viewing violence can provide a safe outlet for aggressive impulses, thereby *reducing* the likelihood of real-life aggression. The idea that witnessing media violence *motivates* action against real-life violence due to shock is not the standard definition of catharsis in this context. Instead, it often refers to a purging of emotions, which some theories controversially suggest might lead to less real-world violence, not more action against it.
Question 4: Choose the accurate meaning of the term "imitation."
- The release of strong emotions by channeling them safely
- Defending and fighting for others
- Observing and copying the behavior of someone else (Correct answer)
- All of the above
Correct answer: Observing and copying the behavior of someone else
Imitation, in its most straightforward sense, refers to the act of observing someone else's actions or behaviors and then replicating them. This concept is fundamental in learning and social development, as individuals often learn new skills and social norms by mimicking others. It is a direct form of behavioral replication.
Question 5: What is the term used to describe the phenomenon where individuals become desensitized to images of violence due to repeated exposure, to the point that they are no longer shocked by such content?
- Catharsis
- Opinion polls
- Sensitization
- Desensitization (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Desensitization
Desensitization is the process by which an individual's emotional response to a stimulus, such as violence, gradually diminishes after repeated exposure. When people are constantly exposed to violent content in media, they may become less shocked, disturbed, or empathetic towards such imagery. This can lead to a reduced emotional and physiological reaction to violence both in media and potentially in real life.
Question 6: What kind of values does the media promote?
- A violent society
- A good and peaceful society
- A materialistic and consumerist society (Correct answer)
- A generous society
Correct answer: A materialistic and consumerist society
While media can promote various values, a common critique is its pervasive promotion of materialism and consumerism. Advertising, product placement, and lifestyle portrayals often emphasize the acquisition of goods and services as paths to happiness and success. This constant exposure can subtly shape societal values towards consumption and material wealth.
Question 7: In what ways does extensive media consumption affect individuals' perceptions of reality?
- The more media is consumed, the more people will decide what is and is not important.
- The more media is consumed, the more people see the media as reflecting reality.
- The more media is consumed, the more skeptical people are of what is shown in the media.
- The more media is consumed, the more people will believe that the world is a dangerous place. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The more media is consumed, the more people will believe that the world is a dangerous place.
This phenomenon is often explained by Cultivation Theory, which suggests that heavy viewers of media, particularly television, tend to adopt beliefs and perceptions about the world that align with the media's portrayal. If media frequently depicts violence, crime, and danger, heavy viewers may come to perceive the real world as more perilous and threatening than it actually is. This can lead to what is known as 'mean world syndrome.'
Question 8: What does the term 'media effects' refer to?
- Media effects refers to how much media a person consumes in a day.
- Media effects refers to the different types of influence that media can have on people. (Correct answer)
- Media effects refers to the effect that media coverage has on subjects of news stories.
- Media effects refers to government policy about what can and cannot be shown on TV.
Correct answer: Media effects refers to the different types of influence that media can have on people.
Media effects is a broad field of study that examines the various ways media content, forms, and exposure can influence individuals, groups, and society. These influences can be cognitive, emotional, attitudinal, or behavioral, ranging from shaping opinions to impacting social norms and political processes. It encompasses both intended and unintended consequences of media consumption.
Question 9: Can you provide an illustration of the agenda-setting theory's influence on the media?
- A TV news story only presenting one side of an issue (Correct answer)
- A news program not wanting to present unpopular views
- Negative coverage of a news story having long lasting effects on the subjects of the story
- A positive news story generating positive feedback
Correct answer: A TV news story only presenting one side of an issue
Agenda-setting theory posits that the media doesn't tell us *what to think*, but rather *what to think about*. By choosing to cover certain issues and giving them prominence, the media influences the public's perception of what issues are important. Presenting only one side of an issue can be an example of agenda-setting, as it frames the public's understanding and prioritizes a particular perspective, thereby influencing what aspects of an issue are considered salient.
Question 10: What were the effects on the political system when candidates started appearing on television in the 1970s?
- Voters began placing a higher value on a candidate's stand on issues
- The political parties became more polarized
- Gridlock quickly enveloped both houses of Congress
- Voters began placing a higher value on a candidate's personality (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Voters began placing a higher value on a candidate's personality
The advent of television brought political candidates directly into people's homes, shifting the focus from purely policy-based debates to a more personal connection. Voters could now see and hear candidates, leading them to evaluate factors like charisma, appearance, and perceived trustworthiness more heavily. This emphasized personality and image over detailed policy positions in political campaigns.
Question 11: What is the term used to describe any choice related to government affairs, structure, or politics?
- political influence
- political decision (Correct answer)
- political attitude
- political outlook
Correct answer: political decision
A 'political decision' is a specific term that encompasses any choice or action made within the realm of government, public policy, or political processes. This includes decisions made by elected officials, policymakers, or even citizens participating in the political system. It directly relates to the governance and structure of a society.
Question 12: Callie is going through her Facebook news feed. She notices that some of her friends are sharing articles from an organization called The Society for the Re-humanization of American Music. She goes to the group's website and finds that she agrees with what they say about putting soul and imagination back into modern music. Callie starts to back and promote what they are doing. Callie's political views have been shaped by (choose one).
- Liking (Correct answer)
- Sharing
- Immediate connection
- News you can choose
Correct answer: Liking
In the context of social media, 'liking' content often signifies agreement, approval, or interest, and can be a first step in engaging with and internalizing information. Callie's agreement with the group's message and subsequent decision to 'back and promote' them stems from her initial positive reception, which is akin to 'liking' the content and its underlying message. This engagement shapes her views and actions.
Question 13: Through which channels does global media disseminate its impact on social values?
- Radio
- Social media
- TV
- None of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: None of the above
Global media utilizes a wide array of channels, including radio, social media, and television, to disseminate its impact on social values. Since the question asks 'Through which channels...' and lists several valid ones, 'None of the above' is the correct choice because all the listed options are indeed channels for global media dissemination.
Question 14: In what phenomenon is global media believed to have played a significant role in initiating, sustaining, or disseminating the message of human rights and democracy?
- The Asian Fall
- The Arab Spring (Correct answer)
- The European Winter
- The American Summer
Correct answer: The Arab Spring
The Arab Spring uprisings, which began in late 2010, are widely recognized as a period where global media, particularly social media platforms, played a crucial role. These platforms facilitated the organization of protests, disseminated information about human rights abuses, and spread messages of democracy and dissent across various Middle Eastern and North African countries. They allowed activists to bypass state-controlled media and reach a global audience.
Question 15: In which location can the negative impact of global media on social values be observed, as evidenced by the widespread use of whitening creams to conform to a standard of beauty?
- Italy
- Russia
- Thailand (Correct answer)
- Andorra
Correct answer: Thailand
Thailand, like many other Asian countries, has seen a significant influence from global media in shaping beauty standards, often promoting lighter skin tones as ideal. This has led to a widespread market and cultural acceptance of skin-whitening products. The phenomenon illustrates how global media can propagate specific beauty ideals, sometimes leading to negative impacts on local social values and self-perception.
Question 16: Among various forms of mass media, which one provides the highest accessibility to information while being the least regulated?
- Digital/social media (Correct answer)
- All mass media is highly regulated
- Print media
- Broadcast media
Correct answer: Digital/social media
Digital and social media platforms offer unparalleled accessibility to information, allowing anyone with an internet connection to publish and consume content globally. Compared to traditional broadcast (TV, radio) and print media, which are often subject to licensing, editorial oversight, and specific regulations, digital platforms generally have fewer formal regulations regarding content creation and dissemination, leading to a vast and often unfiltered information landscape.
Free Bachelor of Journalism: Media Impact on Society Questions and Answers
What does the term "digital divide" refer to?