Disinformation: How False Information Shapes What We Believe

     Today, information travels quickly online, but not everything we see is true. Disinformation is one of the biggest challenges in modern media. It means false or misleading information that is shared on purpose to trick people. Unlike honest mistakes or misinformation, disinformation is made to influence what people think, how they vote, or how they act.

Social media is full of examples of disinformation. False stories or edited images can spread quickly and reach many people. These posts often seem real, which makes them risky. If people see the same false claim over and over, they might start to believe it, even without real proof.

Disinformation has serious effects. One good thing is that learning about it has helped people see why fact-checking and media literacy matter. Still, the downsides are much bigger. Disinformation can sway elections, hurt people’s reputations, and cause confusion during important times like public health emergencies.

Disinformation does not affect everyone the same way. Young people who spend a lot of time online, especially on TikTok or Instagram, often see more of it. Older adults might be more likely to believe and share false information if they are not used to digital media. Some communities are even targeted on purpose with disinformation to create division or mistrust.

Disinformation also affects society as a whole by making it harder for people to trust what they hear or read. If people can’t tell what is true, they may lose trust in news, institutions, or even in each other. This can split people into groups that believe totally different things.

Disinformation can change how I see the news and shape my opinions. It can also affect my friends and family if they share something false without knowing it. That’s why it’s important to think carefully about what we see online, check where it comes from, and not share things unless we know they are true.

In the end, disinformation is not only about spreading false information. It is also about trying to influence people. Learning how disinformation works is the first step to protecting ourselves and making better choices in today’s media-filled world.

Thank You for Smoking: Persuasion

Watching Thank You for Smoking felt like more than just watching a movie about the tobacco industry, it felt like a lesson on persuasion, ethics, and the power of communication. As someone interested in communication, I was really interested in Nick Naylor, the main character and spokesperson for Big Tobacco. Nick’s biggest strength is not that he lies directly. Instead, he speaks so skillfully that he makes other people question what they already believe. He changes the focus of arguments, redirects attention, and creates just enough doubt to weaken the other side.

One of the best examples of this is how Nick talks about the dangers of cigarettes. He never directly says smoking is healthy. Instead, he argues in ways that make the risks seem less certain or less serious. By doing this, he shifts the conversation away from science and toward personal choice and freedom. That strategy works because if people feel unsure, they may ignore warnings or delay making healthier decisions.

From a communication point of view, Nick is amazing to watch. His confidence, quick thinking, and speaking skills make him very persuasive. He understands that persuasion is often less about proving you are right and more about controlling how people see the conversation. One quote from the movie shows this perfectly: “If you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.” That idea explains almost everything about how Nick communicates. For him, winning the argument matters more than finding the truth.

Still, the movie also asks an important ethical question: what happens when communication skills are used in ways that hurt others? Nick knows his work supports an industry connected to addiction, sickness, and death. Yet he defends himself by saying he is doing his job and supporting his family.

This part of the movie stood out to me the most because I also value communication skills. Thank You for Smoking reminded me that being good at communication comes with responsibility. Persuasion is not automatically bad—it becomes unethical depending on why and how it is being used. Are you being honest? Are you manipulating emotions? Are you sharing truth or hiding it? 

Nick describes himself as “morally flexible,” and that feels like the opposite of the kind of communicator I want to become. I want my communication skills to reflect my values, not ignore them. In professional settings, there will always be pressure to defend brands, protect reputations, or shape public opinion. The challenge is doing that without giving up honesty.

Another interesting issue the movie brings up is whether old films should be edited to remove smoking scenes. I do not think they should. Old movies show the culture and social norms of their time. If smoking was common in public spaces and entertainment, that history matters. Removing it would erase proof of how society has changed. Seeing smoking in older films can actually show how much progress has been made in public health awareness.

The same idea connects to advertising bans on products like nicotine or alcohol. While these products have real health risks, completely banning advertisements feels like a difficult balance between public health and personal freedom. I believe the government should focus on making sure people clearly understand the risks. Education, warning labels, and honesty are important. After that, individuals should make their own choices.

In the end, Thank You for Smoking is not really just about tobacco, it is about influence. It shows how powerful words can be when used strategically. For anyone studying communication, the movie is both entertaining and a warning. Nick Naylor proves that persuasion can shape beliefs, control stories, and defend almost any position. The real question is not whether we can persuade people. The real question is whether we should. 

Eight Values of Free Expressions

When learning about the First Amendment earlier in the semester, I mainly understood it as a list of protections for freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. However, after studying the rise and evolution of free expression from the ideas of Jefferson and Madison to later theories such as the Marketplace of Ideas, it became clear that the First Amendment is more than a legal rule. It is a reflection of American values and the foundation of how our democracy functions.

The Eight Values of Free Expression show why these freedoms matter and how they appear in everyday life. While all eight are very important, a few stood out to me.

The value that resonated most with me is Individual Self-Fulfillment, sometimes called self-actualization. This value emphasizes that free speech allows individuals to express their beliefs and identity. In today’s world, this is most common through social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X. People use these platforms not just to share opinions but to define who they are politically, culturally, and creatively. Whether it is artists sharing paintings, celebrities speaking out on political issues, or students protesting for causes they care about, free expression allows individuals to shape their own identities. This freedom is part of human nature, something that can easily be taken for granted in the United States.

Another value I see frequently in the real world is Participation in Self-Government. This theory says that democracy only works when citizens are informed and able to openly debate political ideas. Recent elections highlight this value clearly. Candidates rely heavily on social media, podcasts, livestreams, and digital advertising to reach voters. While traditional news outlets still matter, platforms like TikTok and YouTube have become major sources of political information, especially for younger voters. Although misinformation is very common, the ability to hear multiple viewpoints and engage in political discussion is essential to self-governance.

The Marketplace of Ideas is closely related to this. It’s one of the first speech theories that became popular in the United States. The idea is that truth comes out when people can share and challenge ideas openly. Social media shows both the good and bad sides of this. It gives a voice to people who might not be heard otherwise and helps ideas spread fast. But it can also spread false or extreme content because of how algorithms work. Still, the answer isn’t to limit speech, but to encourage better engagement, media
literacy, and accountability. This makes the Marketplace of Ideas even more important today.

I think two values are especially important today. Check on Governmental Power and Protect Dissent. Investigative journalists still uncover wrongdoing and ethical problems among public officials. Whistleblowers and reporters depend on the First Amendment to share this information. At the same time, we see dissent through protests, online activism, and criticism of government actions on issues like policing, foreign policy, and civil rights. Some people call these actions un-American, but the First Amendment is meant to protect views that aren’t popular or are in the minority.

Finally, Stable Change feels incredibly relevant in a time of political polarization. This value suggests that allowing people to express anger or frustration peacefully reduces the likelihood of violence. While social media can intensify disagreements, it also provides an outlet for expression. Public debate, protest, and criticism act as a pressure release valve that helps society adapt and evolve without resorting to force.

Overall, studying the Eight Values of Free Expression helped me understand the First Amendment not just as a constitutional guarantee but as a living system that continues to shape American culture, politics, and identity. In a digital age where speech is faster, louder, and more visible than ever, these values are not outdated; they are essential.

The Impact of AI on Sports Media

     AI is no longer just a future concept in sports media; it’s already being used in real ways across the industry. While researching this topic, I found that major sports outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated are already using AI tools for data analysis, automated game recaps, highlight clipping, and audience engagement. These technologies allow sports media companies to produce content faster and keep up with the nonstop news cycle across television, websites, and social media platforms.

    That said, there is also growing concern within sports media about how AI could affect the number of jobs needed. Articles from Sports Business Journal discuss how some journalists and broadcasters worry that AI-generated content could reduce job opportunities or push media companies to prioritize speed over the quality of the media. People in the industry don’t all agree on AI. Some see it as a way to help them do their jobs better, while others are concerned it might replace the personal storytelling fans connect with.

    ESPN has also reported on how AI-driven analytics can enhance broadcasts by providing deeper insights into player performance and game strategy, making coverage more informative for fans. However, questions about authenticity, ethics, and originality still remain. What makes sports special is the emotion and unpredictability, and that’s not something AI can easily replace.

    As someone pursuing a career in this field, it’s important to consider how future sports media professionals can use AI as a tool while preserving the human connection that makes sports stories powerful. Maintaining this balance will be essential to ensure that sports media continues to engage audiences while adapting to technological advancements shaping the industry.

Protecting Privacy Under Pressure

    In today’s world, technology is part of pretty much everything we do, making privacy more important than ever. Between social media, smartphones, and online accounts, our personal information is constantly being collected and stored. Governments, hackers, and even random strangers all have ways of accessing data, whether intentionally or not. While there are tools including VPNs, private messaging apps, and privacy settings that help limit this, a lot of our information is already online simply because major platforms don’t give priority to privacy as much as they should. Staying private online is possible, but it requires effort and sometimes means giving up certain features or convenience.

    Although I haven’t personally had my accounts hacked, I’ve seen it happen to friends multiple times, especially on apps like Instagram and TikTok. In some cases, they completely lose access to their accounts, while in others, hackers create fake profiles using their photos and information. These fake accounts often try to scam others by pretending to share private content or posting suspicious links. This directly affects me, my friends, and my family because social media plays such a large role in everyday life. Losing control of an account doesn’t just mean losing posts, it also means losing messages, saved content, school work, and personal data that were never meant to be public.

    I think the government should continue taking steps to strengthen privacy protections on internet platforms. While increased encryption can make it harder for law enforcement to monitor criminal activity, it also gives everyday users a stronger sense of safety. These days, authorities can collect massive amounts of personal data, such as daily movements and online activity, even from people who haven’t done anything wrong. This shows why there needs to be clear rules and oversight for data collection to protect innocent people. Encouraging tech companies to build better security systems and holding them accountable when breaches happen should be a priority. Increased privacy protections can also help defend against foreign governments collecting data, which is something that directly affects national security as well as individual users.

    On a more personal level, there are several steps people can take to protect themselves online. One of the most important is keeping social media accounts private, which surprisingly many people still don’t do. Public accounts are much simpler targets for hackers and scammers. Another key step is avoiding spam calls, emails, and messages, since interacting with them can lead to stolen data or scams. While total privacy online may be unrealistic, being cautious and informed can greatly reduce the risks.

My Top 5 News Sources

   

     Staying up to date with news and current events has become easier than ever due to the internet and social media. However, that led to the challenge of misinformation, bias, and credibility issues. Because news is now spread so quickly across different platforms, it is important to recognize where information comes from and how trustworthy it is. Below are five sources I most commonly use to stay informed about local, national, and global news, along with why I trust and rely on each of them.

TikTok

    TikTok is one of my primary sources of news, especially for breaking stories and trending topics. Many journalists, independent reporters, and everyday people post real-time updates, often sharing firsthand footage before traditional news outlets are able to respond. TikTok’s algorithm tailors content to my interests, which allows me to see news that feels more relevant to my generation and community. For example, during major events such as protests, natural disasters, or international conflicts, users often post live updates, explanations, and timelines that help make complex situations easier to understand. Creators like independent reporters and political commentators frequently break down complicated topics into short, digestible videos. While credibility and bias can still be an issue, TikTok is a powerful tool for quickly learning what is happening both nationally and globally, often from perspectives that are not emphasized by mainstream media.

Instagram 

    Instagram is another major platform I use to stay informed, particularly through posts, stories, and reels from news-related accounts. Because I choose who I follow, much of the news I see comes from sources I already trust or find informative. In addition, Instagram’s Reels feature introduces me to new content and perspectives through its algorithm. Accounts like BBC News and other media pages frequently post updates on culture, music, and celebrity news, which may not always be covered by traditional outlets but are still relevant to many people. Instagram is especially effective for short, digestible updates that keep me informed without feeling overwhelming.

Apple News 

    Apple News is one of my most reliable and structured sources of information. Unlike social media platforms, Apple News aggregates articles from established news organizations and allows me to read multiple perspectives on the same topic. The app makes it easy to stay up to date on major national and global events while also customizing what topics appear in my feed. Because it pulls from professional journalism sources, Apple News helps balance out the informal and sometimes biased information I encounter on social media. I often turn to Apple News when I want confirmation, deeper context, or more credible reporting.

                                                                My Parents 

    My parents are another important source of news and information for me. They tend to follow current events closely and often watch or read traditional news sources. Through conversations with them, I learn about political issues, economic concerns, and local events that I might not otherwise pay attention to. While their perspectives can be influenced by personal beliefs, discussing the news with them helps me understand the different viewpoints with news back at home. These conversations also make news feel more personal and relevant to real-life experiences

                    Spectrum Bay News 9

    Spectrum Bay News 9 is my go-to source for local news. It provides consistent updates on weather, traffic, community events, and issues affecting my area. Unlike national platforms, Bay News 9 focuses specifically on what is happening nearby, which makes the information immediately useful. Whether it’s storm coverage, state politics, or community stories, this source helps me stay informed about things that directly impact my daily life. Its straightforward reporting style and local focus make it a dependable source.