Communication Commons^™

Conservative Media’S Coverage Of Coronavirus On Youtube: A Qualitative Analysis Of Media Effects On Consumers, Michael J. Layer

Theses and Dissertations

As of late November 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic killed more than 250,000 people in America despite having early warning of the virus’ lethality and some of the world’s best public health institutions. In today’s media landscape, conservative commentators have an enormous influence on President Donald Trump as well as American political discourse broadly. This study focused how the top conservative commentators on YouTube influenced their audience by their coverage of the Covid-19 pandemic. By examining over 1,600 YouTube comments from videos from February to July 2020, this paper investigates who conservative media consumers principally blamed, the socio-political influences behind those …

Measuring Objectivity In Documentary Film, Christopher Gordon Bailey

Theses and Dissertations

Documentary films and journalistic work share many common attributes. At their foundation, both tell stories about communities and important topics to people in those communities. Yet, when asked about trust in the medium, individuals generally show a significantly higher respect for documentary films than journalism. One way to understand how a media product may be trusted is through its objectivity, a concept that is important to journalists but not as crucial to documentary films. This thesis considers how the principles of objectivity may manifest in observational documentary film through a qualitative content analysis. Findings indicate that some measures of objectivity …

Lëshimet Gjuhësore Në Artikujt E Botuar Në Mediat E Shkruara Elektronike Rast Studimi: Portali “Telegrafi”, Rinesa Bytyqi

Theses and Dissertations

Trajtimi i kësaj teme lidhet me rëndësinë e gjuhës, jo vetëm në kuadër të zhvillimit të saj, por edhe në kuadër të përforcimit të normave dhe rregullave të përdorimit të saj në gazetari e veçanërisht në publikime të ndryshme në mediat elektronike dhe të shkruara. Në këtë temë, që është shtjelluar në formë hulumtuese, përfshihen problemet e gjuhës shqipe, çrregullimet e saj, gabimet gjuhësore, e shumë çështje të tjera që paraqiten në mediat elektronike dhe të shkruara. Mënyra e paraqitjes së problemeve dhe gabimeve që bëhen në mediat e shkruara dhe elektronike kundrejt gjuhës ka të bëjë me ruajtjen dhe …

Collaboration In The Technical Communication Classroom: Negotiating Team Contracts In A Pwi, Alyssa Herman

Theses and Dissertations

As TPC teacher-scholars, we must acknowledge the overwhelming Whiteness of our field and the racism, ableism, and sexism inherent in our institutions. We must actively work toward inclusivity and socially just collaborations in our classrooms by encouraging dominant-identified students to confront their privileges and implicit biases in order to better engage with historically marginalized students. With that said, this thesis examines how teacher-scholars might take up a cultural-rhetorical approach to teaching TPC and how we might negotiate team contracts in PWIs. Firmly situated within the social justice turn, Herman draws from both feminist disability theory and critical race theory to …

“When Two Elephants Fight, It’S The Ground That Suffers ”: A Neo- Marxist Rhetorical Deconstruction Of The United States’ Rhetoric Of Power In Resistance To United Nations Treaties, Divine Narkotey Aboagye

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I present a Gramscian rhetorical reading of American antagonism to the International Criminal Court, a crucial agency of the UN. I probed the rhetoric of power in resistance concerning the discourse of international treaties by showing how both the United States and the United Nations have become global hegemons. From the foregoing, I uncover American resistance to the constitutive force of United Nations treaties by paying attention to post-Cold War American presidents. By using a neo-Marxist lens and analyzing a key foreign policy accord – the International Criminal Court – that spans the presidencies of Clinton, Bush, …

The Influence Of Instructor Mental Illness Disclosure On The Perceptions Of Mental Illness, Classroom Climate, Teacher Credibility, Homophily, And Social Attraction, Kirsten L. Bridgemen

Theses and Dissertations

This study uses the lens of Communication Privacy Management theory to analyze the impact an instructor’s depth of disclosure of their mental illness can have on mental illness stigmatization, classroom climate, as well as teacher credibility, homophily, and social attraction. Participants responded to a series of quantitative-based questions regarding a hypothetical syllabus with varied levels of a teacher disclosing their mental illness. Results indicated that none of the investigated dependent variables were negatively affected by the hypothetical instructor’s disclosure, and mental illness stigmatization was lessened. Implications, limitations, and areas for future research are discussed.

Analizë E Raportimeve Të Gazetave Për Ministrinë E Administratës Publike, Flaka Jashari

Theses and Dissertations

Ky punim diplome synon të trajtojë temen se si paraqitet Ministria e Administratës Publike përmes mediave pubilke dhe private në Kosovë.Sqarohet se si përmes Divizionit për komunikim përcjellen lajmet tek mediat dhe si arrin pastaj ky informacion tek publiku.Dukë marrë parasysh faktin që një ndër misionet e ministrisë së Administratës Publike është të punoj në avancimin dhe modernizimin e tërë aparatit shtetëror administrativ për t’ju shërbyer me efikasitet, transparencë, profesionalizëm dhe paanshmëri të gjithë qytetarëve, bizneseve dhe vet institucioneve të Republikës së Kosovës puna më e rëndësishme e gazetarëve është që të jenë gjithmonë në hapë me ndryshimet që ndodhin …

Radio Në Peizazhin Mediatik Të Kosovës, Shkëndije Zeqiri

Theses and Dissertations

Radio është njëra nga tri mediat masive të zhvilluara në Kosovë, pas përfundimit të Luftës së Dytë Botërore. Për dekada me radhë ajo ka qenë media me vlerat e institucionit të rëndësishëm për shqiptarët e Kosovës, bazuar në karakteristikat themelore të saj si media që depërton me lehtësi te audiencat. Zhvillimi i radios kryesore, Radio Prishtinës, është ndërprerë në fillim të viteve të ’90-a të shekullit të kaluar. Pas luftës, nga viti 1999 radio ka vazhduar të jetë media e rëndësishme, edhe pse jo me ndikimin që ka pasur më herët. Në Kosovë, nga viti 1999 ekzistojnë radio publike dhe …

Objektiviteti Në Portalet E Kosovës, Dafina Berisha

Theses and Dissertations

Objektiviteti në portalet tona, është një temë mjaft interesante për t’u trajtuar, duke u bazuar në literaturën, analizat dhe studimet e bëra në Kosovë. Ky punim, synon që të analizojë çfarë roli ka objektiviteti në ditët e sotme, sa janë portalet tona objektive dhe sa i respektojnë ato norma. Në kapitullin e parë është paraqitur një sërë autorësh që kanë sjellë përkufizime të çmuara në lidhje me mediat sociale si trend i ri, pastaj është trajtuar objektiviteti në Kosovë dhe Botë, dhe evulucioni ie saj, të gjitha të dhënat si lloj informimi për kodin e Mediave të Shkruar, si dhe …

Gun Violence And Advocacy Communication, Minhee Choi

Theses and Dissertations

Gun violence has been a major threat to the United States in recent decades. Through the concept of media advocacy from health communication and mass communication literature, this dissertation used an experiment with 331 respondents to test the strategic value of public health framing and certain types of mobilizing information on social media as part of the media advocacy process, including how those elements may lead to attitudinal and behavioral responses related to gun-related policies. Political orientation and gun ownership were examined as potential moderating factors that affect individuals’ perceptions of public health framing. Finding provide public health framing is …

The Role Of Third-Person Perceptions In Predicting The Public’S Support For Electronic Cigarette Advertising Regulations, Joon Kyoung Kim

Theses and Dissertations

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has become the most widely used nicotine porduct among adolescents and young adults in the United States. Although some research has shown that e-cigarettes are relatively less harmful than combustible tobacco cigarettes, the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes remain unclear. Some evidence suggests that exposure to e-cigarette marketing leads young people to try e-cigarettes. Given the increased popularity of e-cigarette use, the U.S Food and Drug Administration has implemented regulations on e-cigarette marketing since 2016. To understand the public’s support for media censorship, media scholars have examined gaps in individuals’ perceptions of media effects on themselves …

Applying Psychological Reactance Theory To Intercultural Communication In The Workplace: Dealing With Technological Change And Tolerance For Ambiguity, Oumaima Boulhna

Theses and Dissertations

Psychological reactance theory has yet to be applied to intercultural and cross-cultural communication, at least not to a sufficient extent. This study conducted a cross-cultural examination of psychological reactance in intercultural workplace communication situations. Using the theoretical framework of psychological reactance as well as the constructs of intercultural sensitivity and tolerance for ambiguity, this study expanded applications of PRT for technological change messages in the workplace. The present study extended the previous applications of psychological reactance theory and found a significant cross-cultural variation for trait reactance. The results also revealed that tolerance for ambiguity was negatively related to trait reactance, …

Netflix And Kill: A Framing And Uses And Gratifications Comparative Analysis Of Serial Killer Representations In The Media, Mallorie Margaret Latora

Theses and Dissertations

Serial murder is tightly woven in the foundation of American history, and as such, so has serial murder been a plotline in American media. Throughout time, there have been books, television shows, films, and podcasts that both entertain and inform media consumers about the heinous crimes committed by serial killers. Even when known for violently murdering multiple victims, serial killers have an allure that takes their status from death row inmate to a celebrity in their own right. The popularity of the serial killer genre of media calls for an analysis of the representation of serial killers in the media, …

Yay Or Nay? A Media Analysis Of How Deception Is Utilized As A Leadership Tactic In The Television Show Sons Of Anarchy, Bruce T. Lanigan

Theses and Dissertations

Deception is a tactic that is seen by individuals on a daily basis. One of the places most people endure deception is in the workplace. This thesis analyzes how leaders utilize deception in the workplace through the television show Sons of Anarchy. Throughout the show, both transformational and transactional leadership styles are present. Various story arcs portraying deceptive actions will be analyzed through the lenses of leader-member exchange theory and interpersonal deception theory. This thesis reveals that transformational leaders utilize deception more effectively, while transactional leaders use deceptive measures more frequently.

Gender Portrayal In Marvel Cinematic Universe Films: Gender Representation, Moral Alignment, And Rewards For Violence, Kristen Ray

Theses and Dissertations

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the most popular film franchise in terms of box-office dollars. This superhero franchise has the power to influence their vast and dedicated audience greatly regarding gender. Social cognitive theory and cultivation theory shows that MCU movies could influence the gender schemas some people have. Previous research has shown that men are often portrayed as evil and as preparators of violence. Women that are violent are considered unnatural and go against gender stereotypes. Evil women are often portrayed as victims of circumstance or good women that are compelled to be evil for a short time. …

Structural Decomposition Of Deviant Cyber Flash Mobs On Twitter: Examining Statistical And Network Features Using Focal Structure Analysis, Billy Spann

Theses and Dissertations

Online Social Networks (OSNs) are largely considered a powerful vehicle to disseminate information. It is common to see social media used for propaganda maneuvering, disinformation campaigns, and crowd manipulation. These platforms also provide a method to coordinate and influence behavior. Many crime organizations use social media to coordinate events and then quickly disperse making it difficult to identify the actors. The focus of this study is to advance our understanding of the use of collective action theory measurements in communication networks extracted from Deviant Cyber Flash Mobs (DCFMs). We assess the formation of these cyber collective groups by analyzing the …

“Sfidat E Menaxhimit Të Transmetuesit Publik Audio-Vizuel Në Kosovë (Rtk1)”, Valëza Gërguri

Theses and Dissertations

Sfidat e menaxhimit të transmetuesit publik, konkretisht Radio Televizionit të Kosovës, janë çështje me të cilat do të mirrem në këtë punim diplome.

Çdo shtëpi informative përballet me probleme të ndryshme, duke filluar nga mënyra e transmetimit, shikueshkmërisë, stafit, menaxhimit dhe pjesës programore, me të gjitha këto përballet edhe RTK1-ja, si transmetues publik, në Kosovë.

Raportimi I Bbc-Së Për Dialogun Kosovë-Serbi 2013-2019, Diora Dabinovci

Theses and Dissertations

Transmetuesi publik britanik, BBC, vlerësohet media me ndikim te audiencat në nivel ndërkombëtar. Fillimisht BBC është krijuar si media publike për t’i shërbyer audiencës britanike, mirëpo që në vitet e para të funksionimit të saj, BBC është shndërruar në media që synon edhe audiencat në vende të tjera. BBC transmeton program në gjuhë të ndryshme dhe u kushton vëmendje ngjarje dhe proceseve të rëndësishme në nivel global. Raportimi për ngjarjet në Kosovë, historikisht ka qenë në fokus të raportimit të BBC-së. Ky punim diplome përqendrohet në shtjellimin e raportimit të BBC-së për Kosovën në periudhën 2013-2019, konkretisht për procesin e …

A Framework Towards Computational Narrative Analysis On Blogs/Social Media, Kiran Kumar Bandeli

Theses and Dissertations

Social media is widely used to express views and share opinions with others. With the availability of inexpensive and ubiquitous mass communication tools like social media, creating narratives, false information and propaganda is both convenient and effective. Social media users leverage this platform to further their views by framing narratives and participating in online discourse. Almost all events, issues, crises are discussed on social media. Blogs are a good source of data for sociologists and political scientists to gain situational awareness by tracking different opinions, political views, and narratives being shaped. Blogs, unlike other social media platforms, are not regulated …

Facial Recognition And Mass Media Use: Effects Of Technology On Perceptions Of Privacy, Muize Lemboye

Theses and Dissertations

Muize Oluwadamilare Lemboye FACIAL RECOGNITION AND MASS MEDIA USE: EFFECTS OF TECHNOLOGY ON PERCEPTIONS OF PRIVACY Artificial intelligence is used to explain how technologies perform human activities the way humans do them. Facial recognition is an aspect of Artificial intelligence that explains how technologies recognize and humans’ face to perform human activities. As facial recognition technologies (FRTs) have become increasingly popular components in today’s globalized society, this thesis aims to discover people’s perception on its effect on privacy. In-depth interviews were conducted among 15 students and staff of UA Little Rock School of Mass Communication to discover this perception. The …

Examining The Needs Of First-Generation Students, Ashley A. Mayer

Theses and Dissertations

First Generation Students at Columbus State University identify as having a lack of resources that are helpful to them. This research paper analyzes the problems faced by first generation college students at Columbus State University. These needs were assessed using an electronic survey that was distributed to first generation students. The proposed goals are based around supporting the academic and social well-being of FGS at CSU. A set of strategies and tactics are proposed for reaching these goals.

Media Impact On Public Opinion: Lgbtq Issues, Gabriel M. Galvan

Theses and Dissertations

This study’s research question asks what impact “new media” has on public opinion regarding LGBTQ issues. This study uses a survey conducted at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on the student body on campus. Using an ordered logistic regression analysis to test for a variety of independent variables, this paper finds that the type of media has a minor impact in public opinion on LGBTQ issues. Other control variables include religiosity, race and ethnicity, perceived economic class, and political ideology. This research is grounded on the theory that media can have an impact on the political positions of …

"Do N'T Stop Believin'"In A Pair Of Socks: How The Sopranos Shapes Our Understanding Of Mental Illness, Adam Richard Brockman

Theses and Dissertations

This study rhetorically analyzed the final season of The Sopranos for its argument about

the nature of psychological depression in several contexts and forms. Consisting of nine

episodes, the final season of the series features pivotal moments in which characters confront the

sources of their depression and respond to them in a variety of ways. The study used both an

intertextual analysis and Burkean frames to provide insight into how the final season argues one

might overcome various forms of depression. It specifically considered depression related to

one’s family experiences, their existential concerns regarding death and spirituality, and their

indulgence …

Fundamentally Different Stories That Matter: True Crime Podcasts And The Domestic Violence Survivors In Their Audiences, Kelli S. Boling

Theses and Dissertations

This audience reception study qualitatively examines women who identify as both domestic violence survivors and fans of true crime podcasts. Using a feminist, critical cultural lens, this study explores why these women are drawn to these podcasts and how the content presented intersects with their lived experiences as domestic violence survivors. Employing a multi-method approach, I interviewed 16 women who listen to true crime podcasts and identify as domestic violence survivors as well as six hosts/producers of true crime podcast media and conducted an in-depth narrative analysis on one of the most popular podcasts mentioned by my participants. Sixteen in-depth …

"But We Can Be Friends": An Analysis Of Turning Points In Platonic Friendships Among Former Significant Others, Desiree Hernandez

Theses and Dissertations

This study aims to understand the patterns of post-dissolution communication. Specifically, the purpose of this qualitative analysis was to describe the functions of turning points individuals experienced in a platonic friendship with an ex-romantic partner. Three themes emerged from 13 in-depth interviews: framing distance as reparative, redefining boundaries, and providing ongoing support. The results provide initial insight into what turning points individuals experience during post-dissolution communication.

Increasing Engagement With Student Government Associations: An Examination Of Student Publics, Viraj Patel

Theses and Dissertations

Student Government Associations (SGAs) are campus organizations comprised of student leaders which advocate on behalf of the student population. Participation in SGAs have proven academic, professional, and social benefits, yet the engagement in the organization has declined. This study employs Daft and Lengel’s (1986) Media Richness Theory to examine if different media affect the composition of student publics. These publics are defined using Grunig’s (1979) Situational Theory of Publics (STP). Additionally, the impact of self-efficacy, response efficacy, and perceptions of social norms on the variables in STP is also examined.

No “Me ” Before The Nation: Portrayal Of Nationalism And Religious Identities In Bollywood Movies Created During Modi-Era, Misha Khan

Theses and Dissertations

This study analyzed three Bollywood films, Raazi, PM Narendra Modi, and Gully Boy, that were released during the administration of the current Prime Minister of India, PM Narendra Modi. The research questions focused on the portrayal of nationalism and religious identities in the analyzed films. The recurring theme in all three films remained to be nationalism However, drawing on the past research, this study found an existing intertwined relationship between the portrayed nationalism and religious identities. Other central themes in the films included patriarchy, the notion of Othering, and class hegemony. This study draws added implications through its results and …

"It Does N'T Seem Like A Big Deal": A Media Ecology Analysis Of Digital Teen Sexuality And Sexting Education, Allison Marie Metz

Theses and Dissertations

In the state of Illinois, any person in possession of sexually explicit photos of a minor, even if the subject is oneself, can be prosecuted as a felon for possession of child pornography and be required to registered as a sex-offender (705 ILCS § 405). Concurrently, the recent trend of ‘send nudes’ depicts humorous ways to request the transmission of sexually explicit photos, increasing this act as a normative practice for young people (Bradford, 2018; Thomas, 2017). This trend is incongruent with Illinois statue (705 ILCS § 405) and school administrative policy about transmitting sexually explicit photos of a minor. …

Role Of Multiple Social Media Platforms In Online Campaigns, Muhammad Nihal Hussain

Theses and Dissertations

Social media that started as a tool that connected high school students has found various uses. We are now connected more than ever. It has altered the way information reaches us. People use social media to learn not only about their family and friends but also to stay updated about news and global events. Organizations use social media to learn about their customers, politicians use it to reach out and influence voters, and protesters use it to plan and coordinate their activities. Social media is playing a central role in various campaigns be it marketing campaigns by companies to political …

The Polite Abuser: Using Politeness Theory To Examine Emotional Abuse, Cimmiaron Alvarez

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last few decades more and more cultural attention has been paid to intimate partner violence, especially emotional abuse. Follingstad, Rutledge, Berg, Hause, and Polek (1990) established that emotional abuse fell into six distinct categories, however, little attention had been paid to how abusers can utilize polite communication to hurt their partner. Equally, Brown and Levinson’s politeness theory (1987) had never been applied to problematic communication (Austin, 1990). This study aimed to understand how polite communication can be used as a form of emotional abuse. In-depth, semi structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants who self-identified as having been …