Media & Communication
Still Angry: Still Feeding
This short take is a nostalgic and reflexive account of my nascent and now life long relationship with punk rock and specifically anarcho-punk a more politically focussed sub-genre of punk rock that emerged in the UK in the late 1970s. Through the story of acquiring British anarcho-punk band Crass’ seminal anarcho-punk album Feeding of the 5000 this short take shows the continuing impact that song lyrics and visual imagery can have on an individual 44 years later.
Stamp of Approval: A Prosopography of the English Midlands Videogame Industry
This chapter examines the formation of the UK Midlands Videogames’ Industry within the scope of the political economy of the region. By using prosopography data points from primary data in the form of interviews and archival resources are tessellated to reveal the network of the early videogames’ industry and its relation to factors of production consumption marketing and distribution. The chapter charts how new technologies built on pre-existing practices found in industrial and textile manufacture in the region and the importance of local regional national international and transnational communication links to its early and continued economic success. It concludes by demonstrating how in spite of the deployment of new technologies parochial andtraditional practices remain embedded in theregion and the ramifications this has for workingpractices in the games’ industry in the 21st century.
Enhancing prosocial behaviour and donation intentions through neuroscientific techniques (EEG and eye tracker): Exploring the influence of charitable advertisement appeals
This study investigates the impact of charitable advertisement appeals on prosocial behaviour and intentions to donate employing cutting-edge neuroscientific techniques such as electroencephalography (EEG) and eye tracker. It also seeks to analyse the moderating effect of altruism social norms and moral intensity on the relationship between advertising appeal and prosocial behaviour and intention to donate. Findings indicate that negative appeal is more effective than positive appeal in influencing prosocial behaviour and intent to donate. Furthermore using an eye tracker showed that individuals try to avoid painful scenes in charitable advertisements. This study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that drive prosocial behaviour and donation intentions by delving into the influence of various charitable advertisement appeals (both positive and negative) on individuals’ neural and ocular responses. We therefore argue that findings from this research hold significant implications for marketers and advertisers seeking to create more effective and persuasive charitable advertisements ultimately promoting greater engagement and support for philanthropic causes.
Exploring Arab communication research: A systematic review from 2000 to 2021
This exploratory meta-analysis aims to investigate the current trends in Arab communication research by studying a sample of media and communication articles published in Arab academic journals between 2000 and 2021. The results reveal an increase in the number of published articles after 2011 with a more significant surge after 2016. Egyptian journals exhibited the highest publication rate among all journals. Arab researchers predominantly focused on journalism followed by mass communication and media studies. Most of the articles analysed lacked a theoretical foundation and quantitative methods and surveys were frequently employed for data analysis while qualitative methods particularly personal interviews were less common. Traditional media such as television and newspapers were the most discussed media platforms followed by social media networks such as Facebook. Geographically African Arab countries notably Egypt and Algeria dominated in terms of published articles and discussions related to these countries surpassing Asian Arabic countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
Falsehood on social media in Egypt: Rumour detection and sentiment analysis of users’ comments
The dissemination of rumours and fabricated information via social media has the potential to adversely impact social cohesiveness and contribute to political polarization which may lead to political divisions by casting doubt on the effectiveness of government and politicians. In light of the global economic crisis caused by the Russian–Ukrainian War this study aims to identify economic rumours that were circulating in Egyptian society via social media. Machine learning was employed as a means of analysing the sentiment of user comments on various posts thus providing an effective method for debunking fake news. In order to identify the most salient features of misleading information the study qualitatively assessed the visual and linguistic elements of the postings. A total of 10031 comments were analysed after being categorized into main groups. The study’s results revealed key features pertaining to the sentiments expressed in the comments as well as identifying common textual traits of rumours and specific visual sentiments depicted in accompanying photos. This research sheds light on the importance of identifying and debunking rumours and fabricated information in order to mitigate their potentially negative effects on social cohesiveness and political polarization. Additionally it highlights the utility of employing machine learning as a tool for analysing sentiment in user-generated content on social media platforms.
Political hyper-reality in social media: A case study of female candidates in the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) of South Sumatera, Indonesia
This study focused on the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) election in South Sumatra Indonesia and examined the creation of hyper-reality in the social media campaigns of female legislative candidates (caleg). Furthermore it specifically concentrated on the use of social media platforms. A mixed-methodology approach was used which combined content analysis of social media posts with semi-structured interviews involving twelve informants. This study also aimed to determine how female DPD candidates project their image on social media and the effect on voters. The results showed that female DPD candidates presented themselves on social media in a manner consistent with sociocultural expectations of the role women are expected to play in politics. They portrayed themselves as individuals who can maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal lives who are educated devout and have connections with influential people and the general public. It was also shown that voters are still influenced by hyper-realistic depictions of political candidates shared on social media even though they can differentiate between photographs shared on social media and actual reality. This demonstrated the significant impact of social media on shaping public opinion and the conduct of political actors. This result will contribute to the expanding academic literature on hyper-reality politics and social media. It will also shed light on the creation of hyper-reality in the political campaigns of women seeking legislative office. This study emphasized the importance of social media as a strategic tool in contemporary politics and how hyper-reality constructions may influence voters’ perceptions and behaviour in the context of DPD elections in South Sumatra.
Mediated mythical discourses: A critical analysis of the female docility and religious discourses in Indian TV soap operas
Media representations have the power to evoke and circulate meanings about a dominant favoured ideology. Like films television soap operas too may become the sites of hetero-patriarchal representation. This article foregrounds the visual and textual tropes applied to coerce the audience into accepting patriarchal gender roles in the disguise of religious discourse. Using critical discourse analysis of three select Hindi soap operas Saath Nibhana Sathiya Choti Bahu and Bade Achche Lagte Hai this article flags the use of religious motifs as disciplining strategies of patriarchy. The resort-seeking behaviour of the female protagonists towards the male Hindu deity for the resolution of crisis becomes a marker of sexism. Furthermore this one-dimensional representation of a multicultural and multireligious Indian society in these Hindi soap operas has evolved them into Hindu Socials with their dominant tropes of Hinduness within the storyline rituals melodrama and misogynism.
Beauty hacks, wardrobe suggestions and DIY regimes for a Muslim bride: Analysis of bridal beauty vlogs
Drawing on beauty vlogs uploaded on specific Malayalam YouTube channels the article documents the digitally mediated circulation of bodily and sartorial norms for a Muslim bride from the region of Kerala. The study explores how fashion vlogging and social media participation assist in furthering the imageries of Malayali Muslim women as neo-liberal feminine subjects by placing the role of consumption as consequential to the emerging sources of their identity. It is proposed that these vlogs catalyse the creation of a Muslim womanhood at the conjectures of cultural notions of modesty faith and identity aspirations arguably in the backdrop of transnational Islam and free market ideology. Furthermore the study hints at the limitations of the analytical device of ‘Brand Islam’ in explaining facets associated with a bridal beautification scene where the bodily and sartorial prescriptions are mediated by the diversity of co-participants involved and variations in the sartorial references endorsed.
‘It is just a tweet … do not take it seriously!’ Humour posts on Twitter during coronavirus: The case of Kuwait
The uncertainty of the COVID-19 virus outbreak triggered chaos panic and fear worldwide. During the outbreak many humorous posts tweeted and retweeted addressed the virus with a laugh. Humour is a way to escape reality but at the same time it may have negative outcomes. In Kuwait many such posts spread on social media especially Twitter. They reduced panic educated the public or made people ignore the seriousness of the pandemic. This study investigates the negative implications of using humorous text images and video messages on Twitter. A qualitative discourse analysis of 907 humorous texts images and videos posted on Twitter during the crisis revealed that humorous posts may foster negative attitudes concerning sectarianism tribalism racism sexism and hatred. Interestingly humorous posts in less emotionally charged categories such as sports family and children also include many negative connotations and denotations. This study is unique in addressing an understudied area; humour on social media in the Arab and Gulf region. Its findings show that humorous posts can produce negative outcomes and cause fear and hatred in society. There may be a need for self-censorship and moral behaviour to prevent social tension. The notion that jokes are only jokes and people should not be offended may have unforeseen negative repercussions.
Media Pluralism and Online News
The book arises from an international research project that explores the future of media pluralism policies for online news. It investigates the latest European policies and techniques for regulatory intervention and examines the consequences of innovative news practices asking ‘How will automation of news affect public opinion in the age of social media platforms and what are the consequences?’
In Media Pluralism and Online News the authors make the argument that there is an urgent need for revitalised thinking for a media policy agenda to deal with the trends to platform power and concentrated media power which is an ongoing global risk to public interest journalism.
In the transition to a media landscape increasingly dominated by broadband internet distribution and the dominance of US-centric new media behemoths Google Facebook Apple Amazon and Netflix the book investigates measures that can be taken to reduce this ongoing march of concentration and the attenuation of media voices.
Securing the public interest in a vibrant and sustainable news media sector will require that merger decisions assess whether there is a ‘reduction in diversity’ -- calling for a new public interest test and a more expansive policy focus than in the past. This would include consideration of the sustainability of local businesses; the encouragement of original and local news content; quality of content in terms of the promotion of news standards; and new modes of delivery and consumption including the ‘automated curation’ of news content by digital platforms.
Media Pluralism and Online News
The book arises from an international research project that explores the future of media pluralism policies for online news. It investigates the latest European policies and techniques for regulatory intervention and examines the consequences of innovative news practices asking ‘How will automation of news affect public opinion in the age of social media platforms and what are the consequences?’
In Media Pluralism and Online News the authors make the argument that there is an urgent need for revitalised thinking for a media policy agenda to deal with the trends to platform power and concentrated media power which is an ongoing global risk to public interest journalism.
In the transition to a media landscape increasingly dominated by broadband internet distribution and the dominance of US-centric new media behemoths Google Facebook Apple Amazon and Netflix the book investigates measures that can be taken to reduce this ongoing march of concentration and the attenuation of media voices.
Securing the public interest in a vibrant and sustainable news media sector will require that merger decisions assess whether there is a ‘reduction in diversity’ -- calling for a new public interest test and a more expansive policy focus than in the past. This would include consideration of the sustainability of local businesses; the encouragement of original and local news content; quality of content in terms of the promotion of news standards; and new modes of delivery and consumption including the ‘automated curation’ of news content by digital platforms.
The concept of ‘new media’ among Jordanian news producers
The aim of this study is to understand how Jordanian journalists view social media networks as being related to the news industry in Jordan and the extent of their dependence on these networks in producing news. It also explores the opinions of Jordanian journalists on the pros and cons of these networks through the lens of the relationship between these networks and professional journalism. This study uses the qualitative approach by conducting interviews with a number of professional journalists. The findings indicate that Jordanian journalists perceive social networks as an essential and beneficial development. There is optimism among journalists about the relationship between professional journalism and social media. Also social networks have brought several benefits to professional journalism. The results also show that journalists firmly believe that social networks cannot be considered a substitute for traditional media.
The virtual mask: The dark underbelly of digital anonymity and gender identity construction in Turkey
This study explores the impact of online identity on individuals’ perception of self and communication codes. Specifically the study investigates the relationship between the presentation and construction of identity and gender identity. The research methodology involves conducting in-depth interviews with eight Turkish university students aged 19–23 hailing from various cities across Turkey. Through these interviews and subsequent evaluations the study identifies significant differences between social and digital identities which can be attributed to various demographic factors including gender. Furthermore the study argues that the digital realm provides favourable opportunities for individuals to express their identities while serving as a platform for mobilization opposition and alternative modes of communication that challenge existing societal norms. Moreover results show that young people sometimes experience fears about their social media posts and anxiety that society and the government will punish them.
Media control and the protection of family values: Case study of the current practices of women TikTok users in Egypt
During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a rise of TikTok video usage and sharing worldwide. Meanwhile the 2018 Cyber Crime Law has been activated against the so-called women TikTokers in Egypt who were accused and arrested for violating ‘family values’ and ‘inflaming debauchery’. Public opinion expressed that media control is a grey area that includes ambiguous description of these violations. Social scrutiny became viral on social media platforms inciting a debate over the prosecution of those women. This article is a case study that explores the play behaviour of women TikTok users in Egypt. Through employing a content analysis method it seeks to find out whether users resist or adapt to the strict media control. Findings revealed that women TikTok users have several motives for their adopted behaviours such as the fear of missing out (FoMO) and self-expression. Audiences who interpreted the behaviours TikTok women adopted as immoral used hashtags for social activism and generated content to oppress women based on gender rather than fairly evaluating their play behaviours. The research highlights key practices that women TikTok users are currently using in order to adapt to the vague ‘Egyptian family values and morals’. Whether mimicking a meme performing and/or singing women TikTok users have been considering their conservative cultural context carefully to avoid the severe consequences that pervious women TikTokers have faced. Furthermore women TikTok users are reluctant to boldly resist the strict media control in Egypt. Instead of using controversial sex appeal they resort to using humour for garnering views and utilizing the platform’s entertainment nature.