Spreadable Media

Overview

During this unit on spreadable media and the circulation and recirculation of culture, we have explored: (1) the patterns that characterize viral media; (2) the economic factors and cultural consequences of algorithms that perpetuate news filter bubbles; (3) the power of spreadable social media to advance a movement like #blacklivesmatter; and (4) the potential pitfalls of drawing unwanted attention online that can result in bullying.

Part 1 (choose one):

1. Create your own click-bait viral media artifact, such as a Buzzfeed article or Upworthy video, as in the style of The New Yorker article we read: “The Six Things that Make Stories Go Viral Will Amaze, and Maybe Infuriate, You

2. Analyze a trending topic from at least two perspectives, one from within your filter that reinforces your viewpoint, and one from an opposing viewpoint. See, for example, Red Feed, Blue Feed.

3. Same as (2), but instead of analyzing a trending topic from two perspectives, analyze it across at least two different social media platforms. Refer to Tufecki’s article on #ferguson and #blacklivesmatter.

4. Analyze an instance of bullying on social media (your own or one you observe). Create a statement about how we can transform the culture of bullying online. Essays, videos, and even apps are possible formats.

Part 2 (300 words):

Reflect on why you chose this option, and how you chose your medium for communication.

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