Madison's Comm 211 Blog

Why did you choose this online argument for your assignment? I chose this because it felt the most topical. Most comment sections on social media right now are filled with the same argument, whether the post is about the Palestinian genocide or not. I think having records of conversations like these will be interesting from a historical perspective.  Provide three negative examples and concerns you have with this online argument. 1. The original commenter commented this on a post that is clearly on the opposite side of the argument. While I personally agree with them I think comments like these can serve to further radicalize people. 2. The person who responds to the comment with a blue icon retorts, without any knowledge of the subject. Even a quick internet search would reveal they are incorrect. 3. Due to the responder having no real knowledge of the situation this would have been a good opportunity for the first commenter to point them toward some credible sources where th...

  I n the era of digital communication, where information flows rapidly and opinions collide on the internet, the Toulmin method is a framework for evaluating and responding to arguments encountered online. The claim serves as the anchor of any argument. Data involves the evidence supporting the claim. Online, this might include links to articles, statistics, or personal experiences shared by the individual making the argument. The warrant is the reasoning that connects the claim and the data, b acking provides additional support for the warrant. The qualifier introduces nuance to the claim by specifying its scope or acknowledging exceptions. Online, this is crucial for considering the diversity of opinions and experiences. Anticipating and addressing counterarguments is a vital aspect of the rebuttal. In a discussion about climate change, an effective use of the Toulmin method might involve countering a claim that global warming is a natural phenomenon. Data could include temperat...

The podcast I chose for this discussion is Think fast; Talk Smart: Communication techniques.  Social media contributes to the dynamic process of agenda setting by determining which issues gain prominence and capturing the attention of online users. Through algorithmic curation, these platforms influence the visibility of specific topics, guiding users towards certain discussions while downplaying others. The viral nature of online content amplifies the impact of agenda setting, as trending topics and hashtags become powerful tools in shaping the digital discourse. Moreover, individuals and groups with significant online influence, such as influencers, activists, and public figures, contribute to the agenda-setting process by leveraging their platforms to highlight specific issues. What I found interesting while trying to find a podcast for this weeks assignment was that many of the podcasts were used for marketing purposes. It illustrates how powerful a communication platforms ar...

  In the contemporary digital age, social media platforms have evolved into powerful battlegrounds where people can engage in an intense struggle for public opinion. One factor is the Rapid Dissemination of Information. Social media's ability to swiftly disseminate information, has transformed how opinions are shaped. This immediacy allows for real-time reactions to events. However, the downside lies in the potential spread of misinformation, as the speed at which information travels can outpace fact-checking efforts, leading to the formation of opinions based on false premises. A lgorithms play a crucial role in shaping the online landscape. Echo Chambers, which is when algorithms deliver you content which reinforces your preexisting view. This can contribute to polarization and hinder the formation of well-rounded, nuanced opinions. This can contribute to the spread of extremist beliefs being amplified. Considering these factors, ethical considerations become crucial in the onl...

  According to Prensky, what is the immigrant/native divide, and how has it affected how students learn? Prensky posits that those who grew up in the presence of technology are adapted to technology and therefore can easily integrate new technologies into their lives. This group he labels the digital natives. The second group is the digital immigrants, these people were raised before the dawn of the digital era, they have to learn to integrate technology into their daily lives. Digital natives vs. immigrants have different learning styles due to the amount and way they receive information. Digital natives prefer an interactives approach to learning that utilizes media tools to make their experience more engaging while digital immigrants prefer a more traditional approach to learning. Another way in which Prensky highlights the differences between the two groups is media/online literacy. Prensky theorizes that due the vast amount of information that digital ...

       The relationship I will be analyzing is a friendship. Over the past 10 or so months I have become closer with one of my coworkers. According to Knapp's relational model I would say our friendship is either at the bonding or integration stage, if these stages are interpreted can be interpreted in a more platonic sense. We often call each other friends and hang out outside of work, and my friend is going to spend thanksgiving with my family. I think online communication has been a clear marker of when our friendship progresses to the next stage. Although exchanging social media can be something done among people who are merely acquaintance, I usually reserve sharing my social media with coworkers until I consider us to be relatively close. And when we start messaging each other on it to be another stepping stone towards closeness.