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Basically I do most of things using my phone itself whether it's news, watching sports, series, and etc. My primary source of news is Instagram, facebook, tiktok, twitter and reputed news apps. I asses the credibility of the news by checking information from reputed news apps and websites. I look for well established news organisations and after that too, I verify the information provided from different source. Moreover, I pay attention to the author's credentials and consider whether the news organisation has a clean history of giving authentic news or not. Some of the fact checking websites also pays an important role in verifying the accuracy of news stories. By using all these things I make sure that I can rely on the information given by my phone.

Image from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_meme

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Studying media policy, crafted by international bodies and national/regional governments, is important to ensure that media functions in the best interest of citizens and society. Apart from this, it also shows the reasoning behind policy decisions, laws, and regulations that influence our understanding of communication and also it helps individuals understand why we communicate and the objectives behind communication (Thrift, 2023, p. 4-5). Media policy serves the purpose of guiding the principles and objective behind communication practices, contributing in a more knowledgeable examination of how media influences society. Its primary function is to guarantee that the way media works is in line with the well being of the public.

Media policy in Canada ensures that media works for the benefit of citizens, society, content creators, and media owners. Policymakers, including the Canadian Radio-Television & Telecommunication Commission (CRTC), consider public opinion through consultations, drawing various stakeholders. Historical instances, such as the Aird Commission, show the influence of policy in creating a national radio broadcasting commission, emphasising Canadian programming and national unity. Media policy in Canada also aligns media operations with the broader welfare of society, balancing individual and collective needs, and fostering national unity through strategic communication decisions (Thrift, 2023, p. 10-15).

REFERENCE - Thrift, S. A. (2023). Media Policy [PDF]. https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6151807/View

Image from: https://bigthink.com/the-present/memes-propaganda-internet-politics/

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This week, I observed the ways in which I'm being watched. I realised there are many ways I'm being watched through apps, and cameras. It's more than I ever imagined and the irony is that it happens all the time. Living in a panoptic society means feeling that you're constantly being watched or observed, not by just one big eye, but by different things for instance government and companies. Even though it's not exactly as same as an old prison design, it's mainly about always feeling like we can't escape being seen or watched, and that makes us question how much freedom do we really have in world filled with so much CCTV surveillance.

I think that it would be appropriate to say or to think that we do live in a panoptic society. The thought of being watched by different entities creates a sense of being observed all the time. Even though it's not like one big eye is watching us, the feeling of being monitored by various things can affect our privacy and makes us question ourself that are we doing something,this constant thought of thinking what if we are doing something wrong makes us wonder about how much freedom do we actually have. It's like there are invisible eyes on us waiting for us to do something wrong or watching us doing everything we are doing. This constant surveillance makes us think about how to keep our freedom and privacy in a world where we're always being watched.

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The short movie No Logo (2003) was an eye-opener to the influence of brands on our society. It showed how branding not only influences products but also alters our culture and society. However, what struck me the most was the exploitations by the global production chain and the harsh conditions faced by the workers producing branded goods.The documentary also showed the power dynamics between corporations and consumers, displaying the impact of branding on our lives, our products and our identities.

The notion from the readings harmoniously connected with the movie and embraced the uniformity of culture through the lens of branding. The documentary depicted issues regarding the dominating varied local identities by a global brands cultural influence. Naomi Klein’s inspection about how brands impact our choices and our sense of self related throughout the film as well as depicting how brands commercialise living choices and create a sense of brand loyalty among consumers.

Reflecting back on the years since the documentary, brand culture underwent detectable changes. The arrival of social media has altered the forces between brands and consumers, providing individuals in playing a more proactive part in crafting brand stories. Brands are now held responsible for their practices with consumers requesting clarity and ethical conduct. However, the core problems related to exploitative labour practices and the comprehensive impact of brands on culture endure, signalling a continuous and complicated relationship between consumers and the brands that influence the world around us.

REFERENCE: Consumer Protection Hub. "No logo: Brands, Globalization, Resistance (Featuring Naomi Klein) - full movie". [Video]. November 24, 2018. YouTube. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oeTgLKNb5R0&feature=youtu.be

Image from: https://youtu.be/oeTgLKNb5R0?si=Ma6VmB4BwIYpXGp1

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The political activism of Harry Potter fans illustrate a key idea from reception studies emphasises that media consumption isn't just sitting back and relaxing. It's more like becoming a part of a story that can change how us the people see the world and even make us want to do something in real life which we never would've thought that we would do, basically it makes us think outside the box. These fans really feel a strong connection to the Harry Potter story that is the plots, the ideas, the messages of justice and resistance against oppression and thus give means to these values into the concrete advocacy depicting the powerful role media plays in engaging the society.

We can see from the article by Rosenberg that the common pop culture writings affect how fans perceive the real-world activism. When fans discover that the subjects and messages of a pop culture content align closely with their individual feelings, it makes an effective enthusiastic association. This association then becomes a source of motivation and inspiration for how they conduct the real-world activities. Thus, the passion and feelings change the fans from detached buyers to dynamic members, which can alter their sense of obligation and in return change how they address societal challenges and contribute to real-world activism.

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We discussed about media effects traditions which highlights the shift from the strong Hypodermic Model to weak effects theories. Agenda setting theory suggests news influences what to think about but not what to think. Cultivation theories argues prolonged media exposure shapes perceptions. Critiques include overlooking social context and viewing audiences as a "mass". The uses and Gratification Model, while acknowledging audience agency is critiqued for oversimplifying social context impacts (Thrift, 2023, p. 6-11)

I personally resonate with the Uses and Gratification Model which is similar to my view that media consumption is purposeful and individualised. Uses and Gratification Model basically studies what audiences do with the media, how the people selects media to meet their specific needs. However, I acknowledge its limitations in addressing broader social contexts and its impact on audiences. For example, the increased use of social media during social and political unrest reflects diverse and targeted media engagement and indicates individual agency within social influence. As, in situation like these individuals actively turn to social media to express their opinion or perspective and also look forward to connect with the like-minded individuals and stay updated with the ongoing or current events.

REFERENCE - Thrift, S. A. (2023). Audience Studies Pt1 [PDF]. https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6084059/View

Image from: https://helpfulprofessor.com/uses-and-gratifications-theory-examples/

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Picture from:  Moshtaq, Z. "Fair & Lovely Cream". Zohra Moshtaq. July 1, 2017. blogs.ubc.ca/zohramoshtaq/2017/07/01/fair-lovely-cream/

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The fair and lovely ads in India featured that women are getting brighter complexions after using the cream and have been criticised for promoting colorism and reinforcing traditional beauty standards. One of the meaning or one of the interpretation of these ads is rooted in societal expectations. In societies in India they often imply that a fairer skin tone means success, confidence, and beauty. Indirectly or directly they are suggesting that having a lighter complexion can lead to more chances of success.

Another meaning or the interpretation revolves around the concept of transformation. These ads convey the idea that using Fair and Lovely brings positive changes not only in your physical appearances but also in one's social and professional life. This message can form a narrative where the cream is understood as a transformative tool for success and acceptance.

However, it is also important to know that these ads were criticised and faced backlash for promoting narrow definition of beauty and contributing to an orthodox culture that values fair skin over other attributes. A lot of critics argue that such representation can have harmful effect on one's self esteem and can promote discriminatory attitudes. The polysemic nature of these ads thus involves a complex relation between beauty ideals, societal expectations, and the impact on individuals.

Picture from: Moshtaq, Z. "Fair & Lovely Cream". Zohra Moshtaq. July 1, 2017. blogs.ubc.ca/zohramoshtaq/2017/07/01/fair-lovely-cream/

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Colonial media systems helped construct Canadian identity during the nation-building process.The first way was the implementation of the transcontinental railway in 1879, which was part of MacDonald's National Policy. It played a very crucial role. The railway served as a vital communication route while facilitating the flow of information, and telegraph messages across Canada.Despite all the connections within distant regions the railway wasn't able to eliminate all the barriers (Thrift, 2023, p. 9-12).

The second way was the advent of Radio Broadcasting and the Broadcasting Act of 1932, it played an important role in constructing a distinctive Canadian identity. Radio emerged as a powerful tool for nation building, as the Prime Minister R.B Bennet emphasised "This country must be assured of complete Canadian control of broadcasting from Canadian sources, free from foreign interference or influence" (Thrift, 2023, p. 14).Then the government used radio as a resource to communicate matters of national concerns and spread the Canadian ideals to the diverse population. This particular use of radio played a main role in creating an environment where the audience could imagine themselves being connected while learning about the issues (Thrift, 2023, p. 14-15).

REFERENCE - Thrift, S. A. (2023). A Brief History of Media [PDF]. https://d2l.ucalgary.ca/d2l/le/content/542561/viewContent/6061596/View

Image from: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadas-first-railway-feature

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I'm really interested in learning about how media works and communicates messages and also the history of media. This course seems pretty exciting because it helps me understand how media influences people and society. I'm especially looking forward to exploring new topics like how media affects our daily lives, history of media and how audiences reacts to media. I'm also pretty excited about learning APA citations essay.

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