This is where I started. It’s cool to see how much my understanding has grown since then!

Doing the media inventory project was eye-opening for me. It was a great opportunity to really reflect on how much I use media and what it means in my daily life. This project made me realize just how much media shapes my connections and creative outlets. It’s not just about entertainment; it truly helps me grow as a person and stay inspired.

What made this project so fun was seeing how much Nintendo has influenced media and technology. It gave me a new perspective on how far media has come and how much creativity and innovation it takes to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry. This timeline isn't just a collection of dates, it's a story of growth, change, and the lasting impact of media on culture and entertainment.

This paper taught me to see everyday media in a whole new light. I realized that even something as casual as a late-night talk show has layers of messaging and strategy behind it. It was eye-opening to break down the way humor, interviews, and skits can influence how people think about current events and politics. This project definitely changed the way I watch TV, now I’m always catching the “hidden” messages I would’ve missed before.

Our topic, cancel culture, was especially interesting because it’s something I see on my social media feeds all the time. Analyzing public figures like James Charles and Trisha Paytas made the research feel super relevant. What stood out most was connecting cancel culture to the Libertarian Theory of media. I never realized how the theory could work both with and against cancel culture, and it gave me a more thoughtful perspective on "cancellation" as a concept. This project definitely changed how I see social media controversies and the power of public opinion.

Dr. Mears talked about the digital labor behind becoming an influencer and the experience of internet fame. She explored the shift from a "reputation economy" driven by traditional mass media to the "attention economy" of social media, which really resonated with me, especially as I’m building a platform on TikTok. She also touched on the gamification of work and how influencers, like myself, often juggle various demands to create content that both entertains and resonates with audiences.

Her ethnographic research gave me a new perspective on social media, not just as a fun hobby, but as a form of labor that requires strategy, emotional investment, and resilience. It really made me think about the effort and pressure that goes into managing an online presence, something I can definitely apply as I continue to develop my own social media platform.

I chose Good Luck Charlie on Disney Channel which released in 2010. The show is about the Duncan family adjusting to life with a new baby, Charlie, while dealing with the funny challenges of everyday life. Teddy, the older sister, records video diaries for Charlie to watch when she’s older. I usually watched it in the evenings after school or on weekends and recently re-watched it over the weekend before bed. The sibling interactions felt so real, which made it really funny to watch, there was plenty of teasing and arguing, but they always  supported or helped each other in the end. They often had to help regulate each other’s behavior, like covering for each other when dealing with their parents or stepping in to solve problems. It showed how siblings can annoy each other but still be a team when it really counts. Watching it made me appreciate how in most cases my siblings (2 sisters) and I work together, even during conflicts, and reminded me how family sticks together.

This discussion board was a fun walk down memory lane. I got to reflect on Good Luck Charlie, a show I loved growing up, and compare its family dynamics to my own. It was interesting to see the little similarities between the TV family and my real-life family, from the sibling chaos to the everyday lessons learned along the way.

What made this assignment so cool was realizing how media doesn’t just entertain us, it also reflects reality in a way that feels familiar and relatable. It made me think about how TV shows shape our ideas of family, relationships, and growing up.

Now, we have a vast array of media outlets, and while political and societal issues are still widely discussed, they’re no longer the sole focus. There’s much more freedom in how we use media, and the control over it isn’t as centralized as it once was. This shift gives us more power in how we participate in these discussions, but it also means there’s a wider range of voices, making it much more complex. It’s a huge change in how media plays a role in society, and reflecting on this history really opened my eyes to how much has evolved.

For example, I’ve realized that people who enjoy quick, entertaining content (low need for cognition) are more likely to engage with humorous skits or viral challenges, while those who enjoy deeper, more thoughtful content (high need for cognition) are drawn to educational videos or more complex narratives. Understanding these differences will help me as I build my presence on TikTok because I can cater my content to different personalities and preferences. I’ll be able to create videos that resonate with a variety of users, making my platform more engaging and successful.

Bravo uses this engagement to collect data about what its audience is watching and how they’re interacting with content, which it then sells to advertisers. It’s kind of brilliant, but it also raises some serious questions about how much control we, as viewers, actually have over our own media habits. This kind of manipulation of the audience for profit is something that happens behind the scenes in ways I hadn’t realized, and it made me think more critically about how media works today.

I think this is super interesting, especially for anyone who’s into media and social platforms, because it shows how much data we’re really giving away when we interact with content. Definitely something to keep in mind next time I’m scrolling through Instagram or watching reality TV!

Honestly, watching this trend explode was "very demure, very mindful" of the way internet culture works, from quirky catchphrases to global trends, it’s all about how media can spark creativity and bring people together. Plus, it’s funny to think how we can be very demure while also being very mindful of the fact that everyone is suddenly saying it!

From a mass communication perspective, the song exemplifies how media can influence emotions and behaviors. Through its lyrics, upbeat rhythm, and overall attitude, "Paint The Town Red" creates a strong emotional connection, not just with me but with anyone who listens. This connection makes me feel empowered and positive, even when I’m just having fun in a virtual world. It’s a great example of how music, as a form of media, can shape our mood and actions. I also see how media like this can spread a sense of confidence and self-expression, empowering people to embrace their individuality.

What makes Arcane stand out is its stunning art style. It’s bold, colorful, and unlike anything I’ve seen before, pushing the boundaries of animation and inspiring new forms of visual art. The soundtrack is just as powerful, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of each scene and adding layers of meaning to the story. This class taught me to look at media with a more critical eye, and Arcane is a prime example of how much meaning and purpose can be packed into every frame, character, and sound.

Presenting in this format was definitely nerve-wracking, but it taught me a lot about public speaking and using new technology. It’s one thing to make a slideshow, but it’s another to present it in a space where every movement and detail is magnified. I’d definitely need more practice with this type of tech, but overall, it was an unforgettable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and made our research feel more impactful.