Peer Review

Media manipulation and disinformation online

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Apr 22, 2022 by ICT Literacy

Bookmark

Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

This publication describes agents of media manipulation, their modus operandi, motivators, and how they’ve taken advantage of the vulnerability of online media. The researchers propose that the use of the more digestible term of alt-right to convey the collective agenda of misogynists, racists, and fascists propelled their causes into the mainstream discourse through various media streams.

Type of Material:

Open (Access) Journal-Article

Recommended Uses:

Students can read chapters of the book, and discuss them -- including examples of media manipulation -- in class. They can also use this book as a guide to discern media manipulation as they encounter it.

Technical Requirements:

Works on Windows browsers

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Explain how media is manipulated.

Explain why media is manipulated.

Explain the outcomes of media manipulation.

Target Student Population:

College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, journalism and communication studies majors, library and information science majors, pre-service teachers

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

basic ICT literacy skills

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

This well-researched publication builds a strong case as it discusses the actors, activities, and consequences of media manipulation. Terms and definitions are succinctly organized and form a helpful database of that can be used to classify the various modalities of content manipulation. Learners can read the material independently, and instructors can incorporate this material in several subject areas for different objectives. The document is thoroughly cited, accurately.

Concerns:

More details about the technical aspects of media manipulation, especially visual techniques, would be useful. The Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online journal-article focuses solely on one side of the political spectrum and does not present a balanced view of the topic.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The learning objectives are clearly stated, and align with ICT standards. The case is well built, and concepts are introduced logically nd tied together well. There is much detail and useful information so that the learner can gain deep knowledge efficiently. The case studies also provide insightful applications of the ideas, and are useful for designing assignments. The ideas advance ICT literacy and directly impact daily life.

Concerns:

The vast amount of information contained in the Definitions and Methods sections may necessitate a guided curricular approach to maneuver students through the material.

The publication seems to have a feminist bias, which might need a counterbalance.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: Writing is very cogent and impactful. Readers will be engaged with the material. The illustrations and case studies are also provocative. As a long essay, the reader can follow it easily and independently.The document is a pdf, which requires little technology; it is ADA-compliant. No help feature is needed.
Concerns:: As a pdf file, the document is not interactive.

Other Issues and Comments:: The Media Manipulation and Disinformation Online journal-article provides a thorough examination of how alt-right organizations have utilized Internet information outlets to propagate ultra-conservative ideologies. However, its approach in presenting the information is severely imbalanced and appears to lack objectivity as it focuses solely on one side of the political spectrum. This biased approach suggests that only alt-right organizations manipulate media and disseminate disinformation.
Creative Commons: