Silenced Echoes, Amplified Narratives: the struggle against media influencing and censorship.

Giacomo Cavanna

Mk. 1

LBC – L4EAP_5_1_2023
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In today's connected world, where information flows quickly and widely, the effects of mass media and
the role of censorship are important topics to look at. The connection between mass media and censorship
creates a complex discussion that shapes how societies understand and react to information. This essay
explores how mass media strongly shapes public views and how censorship tries to control or guide the
spread of information.

Mass media influence is about how different types of media, like TV, radio, newspapers, and the internet,
shape how people think and act together. Mass media reaches across borders, going beyond cultures and
languages, which means it has a unique ability to shape stories, discussions, and reality itself.

Censorship is when people decide what can or can't be seen, heard, or read. It's like when a book or movie
is stopped because it has things some people don't like. Censorship can be done by governments or
companies, and sometimes even by ourselves. Some say it keeps us safe, while others say it hides the
truth or takes away our freedom to know.

This essay examines how mass media influences us and how things can be stopped from spreading. It will
show how it media can be helpful but also controlling, and how censorship can protect us or limit our
freedom to know.
As adolescents increasingly manipulate their online identities and ages, the collision between mass
media's influence and censorship's control gains heightened significance. This exploration seeks to dissect
how mass media molds perspectives, while censorship navigates the information flow, illuminating the
balance between awareness and restriction.
By looking at old stories and new ones, we can understand how these two things connect and what it
means for our world with lots of information and rules about what we can know.

In the contemporary landscape, social media's profound influence and the ongoing struggle with
censorship have garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of online platforms. Social
media's impact is most keenly felt in the lives of young adults and adolescents, who are the primary users
of these platforms. The advent of social media can be traced back to the early 2000s, with platforms like
Friendster and MySpace paving the way for the modern giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
This digital evolution was primarily motivated by the desire to foster connectivity, allowing people to stay
in touch, share experiences, and form virtual communities. However, as the scope of social media
expanded, so did its potential for misinformation, hate speech, and other harmful content, giving rise to
the need for censorship measures.

One notable social campaign against the negative impacts of social media and the lack of effective
censorship mechanisms was the #StopHateForProfit movement in 2020. Initiated by civil rights groups
like the Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change, this campaign urged companies to boycott
advertising on Facebook due to its perceived failure in addressing hate speech and disinformation. The
movement's significant traction underscored the urgency of addressing the darker aspects of social media,
prompting Facebook to take measures to moderate content more diligently.

The effects of social media influencing and censorship are far-reaching. Studies indicate that prolonged
use of social media can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of
inadequacy, particularly among young users heavily exposed to curated and idealized images.
Furthermore, the echo chamber effect, where algorithms reinforce users' existing beliefs and opinions, can
hinder the development of well-rounded perspectives. The negative impact of misinformation and fake
news is another concern; the rapid spread of unverified information, as witnessed during the COVID-19
pandemic, underscores the importance of effective content moderation.
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The origins of social media censorship can be traced to concerns over user safety and the proliferation of
harmful content. In recent years, major platforms have taken steps to combat hate speech, misinformation,
and cyberbullying through content moderation. For instance, Instagram introduced features that allow
users to filter comments containing offensive language, and YouTube implemented measures to reduce
the visibility of misleading content. Social media giants like Twitter have also started tagging or removing
false or misleading information related to elections and public health crises.

While comprehensive data regarding the exact impact of social media influencing and censorship is
challenging to capture due to the nuanced nature of online interactions, several statistics shed light on the
prevalence of these issues. A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 88% of
young adults in the United States aged 18 to 29 use social media, highlighting its significance in their
lives. Additionally, a study by the Oxford Internet Institute revealed that the use of social media for
political news consumption has increased substantially, raising concerns about the quality and accuracy of
the information being consumed.

Certainly, this essay is not the first to acknowledge the existence of these societal concerns. Over time,
several commendable initiatives have been undertaken to address these issues. Reflecting on these
previous endeavors, it prompts the question: in light of these initiatives, what measures can be taken to
effectively combat and ultimately resolve these challenges?
One effective approach to combat mass media influencing is through media literacy education. Media
literacy programs teach individuals critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze, evaluate, and
interpret media content accurately. These initiatives equip people, particularly students, with the tools to
differentiate between credible information and misinformation. For instance, the Media Literacy Project
in the United States offers resources and workshops to help people recognize biased reporting and
misleading information. Similarly, the European Commission's "Media Literacy for All" initiative seeks
to promote media literacy education across Europe to empower citizens against manipulation and fake
news.

Mass media exerts an undeniably substantial influence on our society, with its reach extending to every
corner of the globe. The sheer pervasiveness of mass media, including television, radio, newspapers, and
the internet, ensures its ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries. This global reach makes it a
formidable force in shaping public perceptions and behaviors. The influence of mass media goes beyond
the simple dissemination of information; it serves as a powerful tool for framing discussions and shaping
narratives. By controlling the narrative surrounding a particular topic, mass media can influence how
society perceives and reacts to it. Furthermore, the convergence of various mass media forms, such as
social media platforms, television, and online news outlets, amplifies its influence exponentially. This
convergence creates a continuous stream of information that bombards individuals from multiple angles,
making it challenging to escape its grasp.

Moreover, mass media's role in shaping reality is undeniable. Its portrayal of current events often
determines the collective understanding of the world's happenings. For instance, how a news outlet
chooses to cover a protest or a political event can significantly impact public opinion. Mass media's
influence goes beyond just informing; it actively participates in constructing and reinforcing cultural
norms. Advertisements, television shows, and movies often depict and promote certain behaviors and
values, contributing to the shaping of societal norms. In essence, mass media is not a passive messenger
but an active participant in molding the collective consciousness of society. It's vital to critically examine
its influence and understand how it can both reflect and shape our worldviews.

To combat censorship, many organizations can advocate for an open and free internet where access to
information is unrestricted. One example is the "Access Now" campaign, which fights for digital rights
and opposes government-imposed internet shutdowns. In China, where internet censorship is extensive,
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Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are used to bypass the "Great Firewall" and access blocked content.
These efforts highlight the importance of ensuring unfettered access to information and resisting
censorship practices.

Censorship is a multifaceted concept that revolves around the control of information accessibility,
impacting what content people can see, hear, or read. Its primary aim is often to restrict the dissemination
of controversial or objectionable material from reaching audiences. One of the notable aspects of
censorship is its diverse sources, with both governments and private entities playing a role in
implementing it. This variation in sources leads to ongoing debates surrounding the delicate balance
between ensuring public safety and limiting access to information. The impact of censorship on
information availability can trigger concerns about concealed truths and infringements on the freedom of
knowledge, sparking important discussions. Moreover, censorship underscores the tension between
safeguarding societal values and preserving individual rights, raising critical questions about the
boundaries of control over information in a modern, interconnected world. Examining these aspects of
censorship allows for a comprehensive understanding of its complex nature and the implications it carries
for societies worldwide.

In conclusion, the intricate interplay between mass media and censorship constitutes a paramount concern
in our increasingly connected world. Mass media, encompassing a myriad of platforms from television to
social media, possesses an unparalleled capacity to shape public views, transcend cultural boundaries, and
influence reality. However, this influence is not without its pitfalls, as it can perpetuate stereotypes, fuel
misinformation, and amplify divisive narratives.

Simultaneously, censorship, whether imposed by governments or private entities, seeks to navigate the
information flow, aiming to balance public safety with freedom of knowledge. While it can protect
against harmful content, it also raises questions about concealed truths and individual liberties. The
collision between mass media's influence and censorship's control, particularly in the realm of social
media, underscores the urgency of addressing these complex issues.

Efforts to combat mass media influencing include media literacy education, empowering individuals to
discern between credible information and misinformation. Advocacy for an open and free internet, as seen
in campaigns like "Access Now," remains pivotal in resisting censorship practices.

In this era of information abundance and regulation, the quest for equilibrium between awareness and
restriction endures, shaping the evolving landscape of mass media and censorship, and the only way to
find this equilibrium will not be easy, the real question is, will the society be ready?