Visual Communication Online

 The link to my scholarly article can be found here and here

Social semiotics is the study of sign making, and how humans create and assign meaning to different forms of expression through visual and aural imagery. The term was coined by Gunther Kress, an esteemed linguist who is noted as being one of the leading academics of the 21st century. Social Semiotics posits that humans are able to express meaning through multiple different channels, and that the meaning of signs and expression created at one time may change as time progresses, or as a social setting changes.

Social semiotics describes different ways of analyzing media. For the purpose of this assignment, I'll discuss how social semiotics can be applied to visual media. The top of an image is usually analyzed as being an ideal for the viewer, in other words, it represents some of the main ideas that an image is trying to convey. The center and bottom of an image act as both a binding compositional agent, and also a tool that grounds an image in reality, giving the viewer elements they are more familiar with. The left of an image is usually more open and empty providing details about the image, but nothing exciting, while the right has something new and exciting, and more entrancing, but less essential.

Image 1

This image is a plant catalog page. If we analyze each of these frames as its own image, analysis is as follows. The center of the page shows the most color and flowers, the bottom provides important, realistic descriptions of the trees. The top gives a more philosophical and idealistic description of the trees. The left simply showcases the trees, but is not very information dense, whereas the right shows many different varieties and allows the viewer's mind to wander and debate. This image is highly enticing and can be understood as an advertisement that uses effective structure and organization

Image 2

This image shows an NBA player taking a shot. The top of the image shows a glowing basketball and the player's hands. This is clearly indicative of a message of magic, or power that comes along with buying Nike equipment. The center and bottom of the image don't serve much purpose besides holding the frame together. The left side of the image is empty as well, with the right side having the basketball player, a more flashy and information dense compositional element. Overall, the bold text in the image and the contrasting, bright colors, plus the magic energy coming from the ball indicate that wearing nike clothing empowers an individual with an identity that is unique to athletes and powerful figures.

Online Arguments

I will be analyzing this reddit thread arguing about veganism.

1. Why did you choose this online argument for your assignment?

I chose this example because veganism is an especially contested subject. Many people get into heated arguments about veganism both online and in person. I figured this argument would be a good would to analyze for emotive language, and to weigh out the arguments of each side logically.

1. Provide three negative examples and concerns you have with this online argument.

One immediate concern I noticed is the bluntness of this argument. "Honestly, the whole "You're either 100% vegan or you're evil" thing is kinda bullshit.". This may stem from the fact that online discussion boards are very laid back and don't use the same lingo as an in person discussion. Still, I feel the language used to be harsh and unhelpful

A second negative aspect I noticed is that a percentage of commenters seem to not be interested in responding to the original prompt, and let their egos creep into the conversation. "At the risk of giving advice, I think you ask for too much advice. I did not ask for, nor do I appreciate, nor do I accept advice on that kind of choice. I can make my own decisions about what I eat thank you very much, and so should you." Similar to the first example, this is definitely not helpful and promotes some hostility.

A third negative element are comments made that might not be negative, but certainly unhelpful. "eat what you want dude. You only live once". These comments serve no real purpose other than to confuse readers and make any sort of consensus more difficult to reach. I find it unlikely that anyone would make these comments in a real-world argument.

1. Create five rules for how people should argue online correctly.

• Have basic respect and decency
• Focus on the original prompt
• Be considerate, limit your own ego
• Focus on solving an issue and reaching consensus, not winning an argument.
• Ignore trolling and unhelpful comments.

I think with these rules considered, online arguments can actually be productive and have a useful application on subjects that are polarized like veganism.

Toulmin Method

 The Toulmin Method is a very useful concept to consider when negotiating the landscape of online communication. We often find ourselves lost in arguments online, or in the case that we hear of others in arguments online, we may not even know what an argument is about. In these scenarios, the Toulmin Method is a great way of taking a step back, and approach an argument with a more rational outlook. I find that the best first steps for analyzing an online argument are to only consider the three beginning steps of the Toulmin method: the claim, grounds and warrant. In the simplest language, the claim is an assertion that an author makes in an argument, the backing is the information necessary to understand the claim, and the warrant is the information that links the claim and backing together. Once you have identified each of these components in an online argument, you should have a pretty good idea of the substance of the argument itself. The data, qualifier's and rebuttal are the final three parts of the method, and are important for understanding the overall complexities of the argument, and which conclusions different parties reach based on differing opinions.

A great example of an online debate where the Toulmin Method could be useful is the conversation on cancel culture. It is important to establish the background on cancel culture and which different people may make claims regarding its necessity or uselessness. Likewise, it is also important to consider data, and rebuttals to each argument in order to understand the nuances of the conversation. The Toulmin method is essential for breaking down conversations that are more complicated than a simple yes or no, or where there is no definitive answer like in the case of cancel culture. One negative aspect of this method to online communication is that arguments online are often influenced by fake information or "trolling". In these cases, an analytical method will fail because the information provided doesn't actually make any sense. Individuals must consider this and learn to be skeptical online and flexible with their use of the model. Critical thinking is also essential in these cases because it will allow readers of online content to ponder which information is necessary to add the Toulmin Method, and which can be disregarded because it is not as important to the bigger picture of the argument.

Research Podcast

For this assignment, I selected the Ologies Podcast, by Allie Ward. This podcast is very unique because it is a science based podcast which has a wide ranging, primarily young audience. As we discussed different forms of media within in our study of the Agenda Setting Theory, I thought that Ologies is a unique example of a podcast format. This is because it occupies the role of both horizontal and also vertical media. This is to say, it can cover extremely niche scientific subjects such as the study of crabs in an episode, but also, because of its diverse selection of hundreds of episodes, also aims to appeal to many different people and interests.

Ologies is a top charting podcast, and I believe one of the features that makes it so successful is its accessibility and engageability. The podcast feels very well edited, and in other words, sleek. Even the icon of the podcast which I've included as a photo in this post shows how clean the design is. These features make podcasts feel condensed, but also still information packed. I also find that the host, Allie Ward, has great vocal delivery, and a very expressive voice, which has been shown to increase retention of information by listeners (Carlow, 2021).

Works Cited:

Carlow University. (2021, July 27). Essential practices for anyone who wants to use podcasting as a communication medium. Carlow Today & Tomorrow | Creating a More Just and Merciful World. https://blog.carlow.edu/2021/08/16/podcasting-as-a-communication-medium/#:~:text=Position%20yourself%20in%20a%20way,them%20to%20receive%20your%20message.

Ward, A. (2024, February 21). Ologies with Alie Ward on Apple Podcasts. Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ologies-with-alie-ward/id1278815517

The Battle For Public Opinion

 

The Battle For Public Opinion

The internet has become a primary location for heated political, as well as moral debates. This has a few benefits in so far as more people are able to be exposed to conversations involving ethics, and more voices can be represented than in print media. I do however find that the internet can create paces that are confusing, hostile, and which have the effect of isolating the readers that interact with it. This was the case, I believe, with the #meToo movement. While I agree with many of this movement's motivations, I think it ultimately left a lot of people frustrated and confused because the internet is not always the most efficient space for intimate, complex conversations. With that being said, I believe the internet will continue to be at the center of many of these ethical conversations and movements as time goes on. 

Apple Business Analysis

Apple is an American corporation most known for their technology services and products such as iphones and Macbooks.

• Does the company do a good job communicating on its website and social media platforms? Provide examples.

I find that Apple's web design is very conducive to online communication.

For example, the above image highlights how clear and sleek the company's product design and advertisement is. This sort of look makes me much more willing to interact with their company online

• On the company website, what is featured at the top, in the middle, and at the bottom of the home page? Why do you think they have it organized this way? In your opinion, is it effective?

The top shows navigational panels, the middle highlights exciting products, and the bottom has fine print with terms and conditions. I think this works well because the bulk of the webpage is filled with what is interesting to users, but the navigation is still easy to find, and at least terms and conditions are stated.

• Does the business communicate an identity online? Provide examples.

I would say that Apple communicates an identity of a company that is very put together and intelligent. The all white design makes the webpage feel very organized and smart. The large amount of information on the page also makes Apple seem very professional and well researched.

• Where could the company improve its online communication?  

While I think that apple has pretty much nailed its online communication, the webpage may benefit from more interactability as far as users being able to ask questions. This would help make the online experience feel more two sided.

Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants

 This week, I read "The myths of the digital native and the multitasker" by Paul Kirschner, and also Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants by Marc Prensky. In this post, I will be sharing some of my reflections about these readings through answering the following questions:

- According to Prensky, what is the immigrant/native divide, and how has it affected how students learn?

Prensky states that the immigrant native divide is a gap in learning abilities between people or generations who have grown up with the internet (digital natives), and those who have lived without the internet (digital immigrants). Digital immigrants have a harder time reacting to content and educational materials that are digital because they spend so much time and brain power on understanding the internet and technology itself, rather than the material. Digital natives on the other hand, have the opposite problem. While adept with technology, they may struggle with readings and non-digital forms of learning.

What are some other myths Kirschner associated with Prensky's findings from 2001?

Kirschner illustrates that Prensky's findings may be flawed in that being a "digital native", does not necessarily make someone more adept with technology, even if they are more familiar with it. A great example would be the assumption that those more familiar with technology are able to multitask more efficiently, and therefore be more productive. Kirschner points out that this is not just untrue, but that multitasking may also have negative cognitive effects. Overall, I have interpreted Kirschner's piece to suggest that while Presnky's concepts of digital natives and immigrants may be a useful way of thinking or describing our fast-changing world, that these boundaries are not concrete, and people do not always have to fall into just one.

Who knows how education and learning will change in the near future, as technology moves so fast.

Knapp's Relational Model

Today I'll be discussing one of my personal relationships that started to come apart after a conflict arose. This Summer I spent a majority of my time working as a farmer, producing organic fruits and vegetables. I would often times share produce with friends and family. Whenever I gave produce away I'd find myself talking about the farm and how much I cared about local food. My one friend, whom I'll call J, began to make jokes about farming. At first, I found them to be mostly harmless, but as time went on I realize that they were hurtful, and that we were in the process of differentiating. Over time, I found myself limiting the amount of time I'd spend with J, and stopped giving him produce. I would also find that when we saw one another in public, conversations would end quickly. This stagnation eventually led to me wishing to avoid him and purposefully not going to parts of town that he would frequent. While the friendship has never been terminated, it is in the late stages of coming apart. I would encourage others to think critically about their friendships and also the value of being generous with what they have in order to have healthy relationships.

I believe that online communication at least supported this friendship. In the early stages of coming apart, J and I were able to communicate via text without the subtle annoyances of in person communication dividing us. While I don't believe online communication is ideal for a lot of interposnal communication, in this aspect I feel that it was beneficial.

Oversharing Online

Do different social networking sites offer other benefits and drawbacks?

I believe different social networking sites definitely each have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks. For example, image based social networking such as instagram may have benefits in that users can share visuals with their friends. However, problems with body shaming and insecurities may arise on the sites as well. This could be contrasted with a social media site such as Reddit, which is more text and link based.

What factors might influence whether Facebook has negative influences, like links with depression, versus positive results, such as boosts in self-esteem?

This may depend on the type of accounts a user is friends with. If you follow only your friends you are less likely to be exposed to the same type of heavily edited images that celebrities post. With that being said however, following your friends could also lead to negative emotions such as jealousy since you are easily able to compare your life with theirs. Understanding this, we can see that it may be more important to try to resolve insecurities in your personal life before immediately jumping to blame social media (even though it can exacerbate insecurities). There is evidence, which you can read about in this article, to support potentially negative health impacts of social media on young people.

Do social networking sites have any responsibility in promoting mental health in their users? If so, how might they go about doing so?

I believe social media networks have some, but not complete responsibility. These companies cannot control how users react to online content, so they shouldn't be liable for emotional responses of users. What they do control is what content is pushed or advertised to users. For this reason, I believe it is important for social networking sites to control and create appropriate content algorithms that are not negative or triggering for users.

I found this video to be helpful resource in this debate.

About Me

 Hello everyone. My name is Charlie Bruder and I'm originally from the midwestern US. I'm now living in Corvallis and pursuing a degree in microbiology. With my degree I would love to work in the field of agriculture and ecology to develop more sustainable and regenerative practices. I also enjoy farming on its own and growing food.

I hope everyone is enjoying the snow here in Corvallis. I've been stuck inside spending my time with some of the squash I grew this year, making sculptures like this one.