MPS614 All Modules Discussions (June 2018)

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 1 Discussion

DQ1 Introduction

Hello and welcome!! We will start off presenting yourself to each other. Please describe your background, and your goals in learning from this class.

DQ2 Media Literacy and Media Convergence

2a. Describe and explain how do the components of the New Media Literacy Theoretical Framework explained by the Lin, T., Li, J., Deng, F. & Lee, L. (2013) relate to the phenomenon of media convergence as discussed by Henry Jenkins.

2b. Identify a topic for your signature assignment and briefly discuss why you want to investigate psychological foundations of the media literacy topic you have chosen (choose from the following):

• Body image and advertising

• Representation of women in media

• Representation of minorities in media

• Representation of LGBT in media

• Drug use in popular film and its effects on youth

• The major issues surrounding political advertising and political campaigns

• Effectiveness of fear tactics in editorial advertising

• Depiction of violence in sports media and graphic enhancements in print advertising

• Ethics in journalism

• The relationship between popular music and culture

• Social media as a catalyst for change

• Another media related topic (where you can include arguments on why it is currently relevant and impacts society)

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 2 Discussion

DQ1 Music Shaping Social and Cultural Norms

Does modern popular and rock music still comment and shape moral and cultural standards in the 21st century? If your answer is yes, identify and explain at least one song from the last 3 years that comments and shaped moral and cultural standards in the last 3 years. If you answer is no, please speculate why modern popular and rock music has lost its cultural significance in the 21st century.

DQ2 The Psychological Advantages and Disadvantages of having music in our lives

Based on the research claims of the article “Introduction: Perspectives on the power of music” (Hallam & MacDonald, 2013), please describe and explain any benefits of music that you have experienced in your own life or experienced by a person who you may know.

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 3 Discussion

DQ1 Television as a Cultural Reference Point

After reading Are You Media Literate? (2014) and watching the video Media Literacy Explained (2016), explain how asking key questions (such as, “Who created this message?” or “Why is this message being sent?”) can encourage critical thinking skills as it relates to all forms of media.

DQ2 Television as a Cultural Reference Point

Do you believe media literacy should be taught in the schools as part of the curriculum for all children? Why or why not?

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 4 Discussion

DQ1 Movies and Global Culture

How and why do U.S. films change their marketing strategies for various countries and cultures?

DQ2 Movies and Global Culture

How might “filter bubbles” influence peoples’ attitudes and beliefs?

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 5 Discussion

DQ1 Psychological Impact of Internet Usage

After reviewing the background materials for this module, what do you believe are the implications of social media on interpersonal relationships and mental health?

DQ2 The Benefits of Social Media

What benefits can social media provide individuals and societies? How can social media be used in a positive way?

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 6 Discussion

DQ1 Product Placement

When working through the challenge of intrusiveness of online video advertisement, what do you think are the cognitive and social consequences upon the general public? To what degree does integrity play a role in product placement strategies? Explain.

DQ2 Public Relations

Discuss how the overall public relations campaign of Volkswagen to repair its brand after the 2015 diesel cheating scandal influences your trust and confidence with the company. In the future, are you still likely to buy a Volkswagen car because of this scandal? Why or why not?

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 7 Discussion

DQ1 Society’s Expectations of Media

1a. What are some of society’s key expectations of its media organizations?

1b. In your opinion, are these expectations being met? Be sure to give clear examples to illustrate your opinion.

DQ2 The Ethics of Journalism

Why are the 5 principles of ethical journalism so important? What impact might breaking any of those principles have?

MPS 614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology

Module 8 Discussion

DQ1 Social Media for Social Change

Explain at least one recent social cause that was spearheaded or triggered by a social media campaign. What do you think were the limitations of the social media campaign to produce lasting psychological, social or organizational change related to the social cause that you identified?

DQ2 Future Tends of Mass Media Influences on the field of Psychology

Provide recommendations to psychologists in devising proper media campaigns and media literacy education in order to keep the general public informed about the dynamic nature of the mass media and technology landscape in the near future.