SOCIAL NETWORKS AND THE INTERNET, GOOD OR BAD?

Obviously to many of us the Internet and specifically social networks like facebook, twitter, myspace, etc. seem to be the new, well not so new now, but BEST THING EVER. But are they really? We seem to think these social networks bring convenience, efficiency, easier interaction with those abroad and a way to meet new people. But what about privacy? Security? are these things being jeopardized as we continue to engage in the world wide web? Of course it is and for some more then you think it ever would or expect it would.

Watching a documentary titled Death Online available at www.cbc.ca/fifth/2009-2010/death_online/ really outlines how terrifying the Internet and its ability really is. The documentary is about a university student who because of personal issues went into depression and became suicidal. She turned to the Internet to find a virtual network of people who are dealing with the same issue. Eventual she found someone who was supporting and compassionate, so it seemed. Little did she know this person helped her plan her suicide with ease and pleasure.

This documentary disgusted me and instilled fear of what was out there in that virtual world. Most people think the Internet is a good thing, that social networks are a positive extension of ourselves, but after this it seems to be the opposite. An easier way for predators to track you, for stalkers to follow you and learn all about you, for basically anyone and everyone to virtually pursue you and worst case scenario have someone aid in planning your suicide.

The Unreliability and Bias in Mainstream Media

A few weeks ago in another communication studies class of mine, we watch a documentary on Fox News. Growing up and even up until viewing this film I can honestly say I was naive and oblivious to how swayed and unjust some, actually most if not all, mainstream media outlets are. I was actually shocked when viewing this documentary. I know you hear lots from mainstream outlets bad talking other media outlets but I felt it had to do more with competition and making your competitor look bad in order to increase your stations viewers. However, after watching this film, Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, I understand that it has to do more with pushing a political agenda and specific ideas and thoughts of the hierarchy of the organization. It has to do with swaying the public sphere and making decisions and choices on the public's behalf to match their own or the networks own beliefs and ideas.

There are a few things that I wanted to talk about that really caught my attention when watching the documentary:

FAIR and BALANCED... Are you joking me? This news outlet is probably the most unfair and unbalances of all news outlets. Those who cover the events and actually go out to dot he field work are told what to focus on and how to portray the channel by a memo that is received every morning from the top. In my opinion this is not balanced work, especially when you are told what specifically to cover, from which perspective to write it, and of course write with a hidden bias.

There is then this "some people say..." statement. How pathetic is that? The broadcasters share their own opinion as "some people say..." to make it seem credible. I find this to be really undermining and unfair. A news outlet is meant to be factual, truthful and accurate. And by tricking your viewers by passing your opinion as "some people say..." is so the opposite. FOX definitely should NOT be considered a credible, fair and balanced news outlet.

It also bothers me how FOX uses images and marketing and graphics (American flag) to trick the viewers. They market themselves and portray themselves as a patriotic news station; who are looking out for the public, providing them with FAIR and BALANCED news. To those uneducated about what FOX is really about they may be convinced that FOX is on their side just trying to inform the public. However, as communications student and being educated about the political agenda of FOX you realize how toxic, bias and disgusting they really are.

This leads me into my final point. I feel FOX is still around and getting viewers because of the lack of education to the general public. Of course more and more individuals are being exposed to FOX's true intentions every day, but many still remain unaware. To me it seems that FOX is taking advantage of the uneducated and uninformed general public. They've built this reputable reputation, generated trust from their viewers and now basically flipped the script and taken that trust and credible reputation and taken advantage of it. It's sad, they are using them, instead of doing what they are supposed to be doing which is provide fair, balanced and informed news.