My story

My name is Simisola Balogun, and I’m currently a student at the University of Maryland, where I balance my life as both a student and an athlete. I’m happy to say that I run track for UMD’s track team,  which has been an experience that has not only sharpened my physical abilities but also taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of mental toughness.

 

As the daughter of Nigerian parents, my heritage is a central part of who I am. Growing up with a strong cultural foundation has instilled in me values of resilience, hard work, and family, all of which continue to guide me in both my academic and athletic journey.

Our history

Right now, I’m just focused on growing on the track, in school, and as a person. I know the work I’m putting in now is setting me up for where I want to be in the future, and I’m excited for the journey ahead.Academically, I’m pursuing a Biology major, with the long-term goal of becoming a dentist. I’ve always been drawn to the sciences, and dentistry stands out to me as a career where I can combine my passion for healthcare with my desire to make a direct and positive impact in people’s lives. The journey isn’t easy balancing labs, lectures, and practice but I know all the work we put in today will be worth it in the end. 

My motivation

 

One of my biggest sources of inspiration is my family. My parents’ dedication and sacrifices remind me why I push myself every day. They’ve shown me what it means to work hard, stay consistent, and never lose sight of your values. Being Nigerian adds another layer to that inspiration our culture is built on resilience, strength, and community, and those qualities are what drive me in school, on the track, and in life.

I also get inspired by the people around me. My teammates motivate me daily. When I see them giving their all at practice, it reminds me that I can do the same. Inspiration doesn’t always have to come from big, flashy wins it’s often in the little moments, like someone pushing through a hard workout or studying late at night for an exam.

My media related interests

Lately, I’ve been really interested in how media affects the way we see ourselves and the world. Media is everywhere on our phones, in the news, in music and movies and it definitely plays a role in how people think and act. I notice it especially with social media, where so much of what we see can impact confidence, trends, and even how we connect with each other.

By the end of the semester, I want to learn more about a few things I’m curious about: how social media affects self-image and confidence for young people, and athletes plus how media representation shapes the way minority groups are seen, how athletes can use media to build their brand, and how new technology like AI is changing media. These are all things I notice in everyday life, and I’d like to understand them better.

For me, studying media feels important because it helps explain why people act or think the way they do. I want to see how media connects to culture, identity, and the choices we make, and I think learning more about it will help me look at the world with a different perspective.

 

Another thing I want to reflect on is how media is changing so quickly. Technology has made it easier for anyone to create content and share their voice, which is powerful, but it also comes with challenges. Misinformation spreads fast, and it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s not. I think understanding how media works on both the positive and negative side is important, because it gives us tools to use it in a healthier and smarter way.

 

Overall, I see studying media as more than just analyzing TV shows or social platforms—it’s about understanding influence. The more I learn, the better I’ll be at recognizing how media affects me, my peers, and society as a whole. It’s something I want to carry with me beyond this class, because media will only continue to grow and shape the way we experience the world.

Questions

One question I have is how social media affects mental health and self-image, especially for young people and college students who are constantly online. I also wonder about the role of representation how race, gender, and culture are portrayed in media, and how that shapes the way people see themselves or how they are perceived by others.

Another area I’d like to learn about is how athletes and public figures use media to build their personal brand and connect with fans. Since I run track, it interests me to see how sports and media overlap, and how athletes use their platforms beyond just competing. Finally, I want to understand how media is changing with new technology, like AI, and what responsibilities media platforms have when it comes to preventing misinformation. These questions are important to me because they connect both to my personal experiences and the larger world we’re all living in

 

 

photo credit ; Simisola balogun.

      The music Industry   🎧

“Who Really Gets Paid?” — The Real Cost Behind Our Favorite Songs

Music usage is at an all time high right now even for me. Music streaming has completely changed the way we listen to music. Instead of buying CDs or digital downloads, we now have access to millions of songs right from our phones. Services like Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube Music, and even favorable apps like instagram and TikTok  have made listening easier than ever, but behind the convenience is a complicated business model. Every time we press play, fractions of a penny get divided between artists, record labels, and streaming companies.The money we spend each month rarely ends up in the pockets of the people who make the music. The system benefits big record labels and streaming platforms the most, while smaller artists often struggle to make a living. The big question is who’s really making money every time we hit play? . When you hit “play,” the dollars (or cents) don’t just go to the artist  they go through labels, distributors, and streaming platforms

Below, I'll break down three of my favorite songs right now “Is It a Crime” (Mariah the Scientist), “Forever Be Mine” (Gunna), and “My World” (Chucky) who owns their labels, and estimate how the earnings get divided. Each song comes from a different type of artist, giving a good look at how money moves through the industry.

Song 1: “Is It a Crime” — Mariah the Scientist

  • Record Label(s): Buckles Laboratories, Epic Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2

  • Who Owns It: Epic Records is part of Sony Music Entertainment; Buckles Laboratories is Mariah’s imprint. Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3Pitchfork+3

  • Royalty / Streaming Breakdown (estimate):
    Suppose Spotify pays about $0.004 per stream (this is within the typical range) to the rights holders. From that $0.004:

    1. The label (Epic/Sony) might take 70–80%, leaving ~$0.0008–$0.0012 per stream.

    2. From what’s left, Mariah might get 20–30% (or less, depending on her contract), so she might earn about $0.0002–$0.0004 per stream.

    3. Producers, songwriters, and distributors get their share too.
      So, for a million streams, Mariah might see $200–$400 before other deductions (like management, taxes, advances).

    4. If “Is It a Crime” gets one million streams, that’s about $4,000 total in royalties. But Mariah might only see about 20–30% of that after her label, producer, and management all take their cuts — roughly $800–$1,200.

Song 2: “Forever Be Mine” — Gunna

  • Record Label(s): YSL and 300 Wikipedia

  • Who Owns It: YSL is Gunna’s label (Young Stoner Life), and 300 Entertainment is an independent label (but has distribution deals). Wikipedia

  • Royalty / Streaming Breakdown (estimate):
    Using the same $0.004 per stream estimate:

    • The label/distributor (YSL + 300) might take 70%, leaving ~$0.0012 per stream for the artist and others.

    • Gunna’s share, depending on contract, might be 15–25% of that remaining amount, so ~$0.00018–$0.00030 per stream.

    • For 1 million streams, that translates to $180–$300 (before other splits with producers, co-writers, etc.).

    • It’s wild to think that even a platinum artist has to rely on tours and brand partnerships to make real money. Streaming is great for exposure — but it doesn’t always pay the bills
    • Gunna’s situation demonstrates how many artists are squeezed between label overhead, marketing expenses, and platform cuts. The Mechanics of the Recording Industry source describes how many layers (label, sub-label, distributor, publisher) all take a cut before the artist sees income.

Song 3: “My World” — Chucky

  • Record Label: Santa Anna Wikipedia

  • Who Owns It: Santa Anna is presumably Chucky’s label or imprint (less corporate backing than majors). Wikipedia

  • Royalty / Streaming Breakdown (estimate):
    Again assuming $0.004 per stream:

    • Label/distributor might take 60–70% (smaller label often gives a bit more to the artist), leaving ~$0.0012 to $0.0016 per stream.

    • Chucky’s cut might be higher in such a deal — say 30–40% of the remainder, giving ~$0.00036 to $0.00064 per stream to him.

    • So for 1 million streams, Chucky might earn $360–$640 before paying producers, songwriters, etc.

In conclusion 

 

  • So basically or songs with millions of streams, the artist’s take from streaming alone is not as much as we all think , especially after labels, producers, distributors, and songwriters all take their cut.

  • Major labels with deep infrastructure (like Sony via Epic) tend to keep large percentages of revenue, especially from big artists, leaving smaller margins for the artist.

  • Artists with their own label imprints (like Mariah with Buckles) or who release under smaller labels (like Chucky with Santa Anna) might negotiate more favorable percentages, but still face many downstream deductions.

  • Because streaming pays in tiny fractions of a cent, most artists rely heavily on touring, merchandise, licensing deals, brand partnerships, or ownership of masters to make substantial income.

 

So who's really winning ?

When you pay $10.99 a month for Spotify Premium, about 70% of that goes to rights holders — which includes record labels, publishers, and distributors. The remaining 30% stays with Spotify to cover expenses and profit. But of that 70%, artists usually only get a small slice.

Labels like the ones below are who are making the highest profit. The music business has become increasingly dominated by a few large corporations (Sony, Universal, Warner). These entities control major label rosters and the rights to massive catalogs. The Global Music Report shows how their dominance has grown over the last decade.

Sony 

YSl

Warner

My thoughts ....

I think streaming services are great and accessible , but the current system isn’t fair to artists. The fact that a million streams might only earn someone a few hundred dollars doesn’t sit right with me. Artists put so much time and creativity into their work they deserve to be paid like it. Its understandable why some artist go on tour so often , How Virtual Reality is Used in Music shows how immersive concert experiences could open new revenue streams (ticketing, VR merch), shifting some dependence away from streaming payouts alone.

Explore my sources 

sources

* **Pew Research Center.** (2024). *Audio and Podcasting Fact Sheet.* [https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-sheet/audio-and-podcasting/](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-sheet/audio-and-podcasting/)
* **IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry).** (2024). *Global Music Report.* [https://www.ifpi.org/resources/global-music-report-2024/](https://www.ifpi.org/resources/global-music-report-2024/)
* **Soundcharts.** (2023). *The Mechanics of the Recording Industry: Labels, Distribution, and Royalties Explained.* [https://soundcharts.com/blog/mechanics-recording-industry](https://soundcharts.com/blog/mechanics-recording-industry)
* **Mordor Intelligence.** (2025). *What Will 2025 Bring for the Music Industry?* [https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/music-industry-trends](https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/music-industry-trends)
* **Medium.** (2024). *After 2026, the Music Industry Will Not Be the Same.* [https://medium.com/@musictech/after-2026-music-industry-changes](https://medium.com/@musictech/after-2026-music-industry-changes)
* **Forbes.** (2024). *The Evolution of the Music Industry in the Digital Age.* [https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/02/28/the-evolution-of-the-music-industry-in-the-digital-age/](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2024/02/28/the-evolution-of-the-music-industry-in-the-digital-age/)
* **XR Today.** (2024). *How Virtual Reality is Used in Music.* [https://www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/how-virtual-reality-is-used-in-music/](https://www.xrtoday.com/virtual-reality/how-virtual-reality-is-used-in-music/)
* **Music Business Worldwide.** (2024). *The Impact of AI on the Music Industry.* [https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-music-industry/](https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/the-impact-of-ai-on-the-music-industry/)
* **Statista.** (2025). *Radio Statistics and Listening Trends in the U.S.* [https://www.statista.com/topics/1331/radio/](https://www.statista.com/topics/1331/radio/)

Visual Storytelling

The ongoing war in Gaza has been one of the most heartbreaking and widely covered events in recent months. Every time I hear about it, I get sad because no one should have to go through something like this losing their homes, loved ones, and sense of safety. I chose this topic because it represents not just a political conflict, but a deep human tragedy that affects millions of innocent people. It also stood out the most to me in the recent months, so it just felt right to speak about. The images and stories coming out of Gaza are very difficult to look at, yet they’re important to see, because they remind us of the real people behind the headlines and the urgent need for compassion and awareness in times like these. It also shows us to be thankful for the lives we have, because there is always someone going thru things that are way worse.

photo 1: A view of Gaza City shows entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble after weeks of airstrikes

Scene setter 

- Everything starts with this picture. It helps viewers understand the magnitude of the damage and how whole communities have been ripped apart. According to the Visual Literacy White Paper, in order to comprehend images' deeper significance, viewers must learn to "read" them rather than just see them. This involves observing elements such as composition, perspective, and frame. It seems as though the observer is floating above tragedy in this picture because of the distance created by the aerial frame. It feels both strong and a little disconnected because of that distance, which makes me consider how journalism frequently presents the broad picture but leaves out the specifics. The lives, laughter, and loss of the individuals who occupied those buildings are what are lacking from this scene. It tells it all.

 

Photo  2 : Kids gather outside shelters in Khan Younis, trying to find food and water.

Medium shots 

We are brought closer to the conflict's human side by this picture. The child's expressions show her exhaustion and anxiety, but they also show strength in simply keeping going. "How Framing Affects Our Understanding" discusses how framing alters our interpretation of events; in this image, the camera's treatment of the girl and likely her family who isn't shown in harsh light, emphasizes their fragility. My feelings are also influenced by the way the picture is framed; it draws my attention to the low energy shown from the child and the hunger in her eyes. What we don't see is all the other families who look the same way and have nothing to eat as well. The lack of background information, such as where they will sleep or what they will eat next, intensifies the emotional aspect

 

 

 

 

Photo 3: A young boy sits among the ruins of his home

Portrait 

This is one of those images that stays with you. The boy's eyes express all of his disorientation, pain, and strength despite his calm face. The Visual Literacy White Paper claims that pictures can act as a "mirror of emotion," enabling viewers to relate to complex world events on a personal level. This picture accomplishes precisely that. Because to the tight framing, we can clearly see the facial expression and his emotions without any interruptions. We are forced to face his truth. The fact that the picture is authentic real child in a real setting going through something that no one should have to go through made it even more heartbreaking. His family members and the sounds of the neighborhood he used to know are absent from the picture, but the stillness of it makes it much more powerful 

 

 

Photo 4 :  burned notebooks lie in the rubble near what used to be a school in Gaza.

Detail Shot 

A smaller, darker portion of the narrative is captured in this detail picture. Powerful photography is moving toward more symbolic imagery, or isolated details that symbolize much broader realities, according to the article Global Trends and the Future of Photography. These notebooks, which is partially coated in dust, speaks louder than any statistics about the loss of innocence and education. You are drawn into the textures of the paper and ash by the tight backdrop. The children who once filled the pages with their writing and dreams are gone. Instead of focusing on what is literally in front of you, the framing forces you to consider what was formerly there. It serves as a reminder that often the most significant emotional impact can be found in the tiniest objects, such as a book, toy, or doorway.

 

Photo 5: Paramedics rush to carry the wounded after an airstrike in Rafah

Action shot 

This image perfectly conveys movement and urgency. The paramedics are reacting, tirelessly trying to save someone's life, not pretending. The image's strength comes from the blur of motion, which practically draws the observer into the chaos. It's not quite balanced from a framing standpoint, but that's what gives it depth. Since truth isn't always tidy or centered, authentic images frequently defy conventional compositional conventions, as the Visual Literacy White Paper reminds us. Additionally, I validated the source of this image by using Adobe's Content Authenticity Initiative. Verifying the provenance of an image is crucial for confidence in an era where artificial intelligence-generated graphics are becoming more prevalent. This image captures not only the devastation of structures but also the tenacity of individuals who never give up on one another.

 

What this taught me ...

I made an effort to consider critically how authenticity, emotion, and framing affect our perceptions of Gaza while looking at all of these pictures. These images are records of human experience rather than only images. They serve as a reminder that genuine photography is still crucial in the digital age, even though AI and algorithms can produce a limitless number of fake photographs. It gives compassion, passion, and reality to universal topics that could otherwise go unnoticed.

My Conclusion 

I chose these specific images because together they show both the destruction and the humanity that still exists in Gaza. The order of the photos was intentional I started with wide scene-setters to show the scale of the damage, then moved into closer shots that focus on people’s faces and moments of survival.That arrangement shows that there is power and hope even in the midst of sorrow by telling a story that moves from disorder to resiliency. The story would have felt more personal right away if I had ordered the pictures differently, such as by starting with portraits rather than wide shots, but it might have lost some of the background on how enormous and terrible the issue is. As we discovered in How Framing Affects Our Understanding, the way a picture is framed fundamentally alters how individuals see it. Because their decisions on what to show (and what not to show) affect how the public views an event, reporters have a great deal of responsibility.

 

One of the biggest ethical concerns with these images is respecting the dignity of the people in them.It's important to avoid taking advantage of suffering or making someone else's sorrow into something to ignore. Both Adobe's Content Authenticity Initiative and the Visual Literacy White Paper stress context and honesty not simply taking striking pictures but also ensuring that they are used appropriately and are recognized. I believe that visual reporting still has a significant influence in today's image-rich environment, but only if it is genuine and emotionally genuine. New journalists must put forth considerably more effort to gain people's trust. I believe that using new technologies to communicate stories while maintaining a sense of reality and humanity will be crucial to the future of visual reporting.

Citing 

 

  • The Visual Literacy White Paper — Aperture / Visual literacy primer. Aperture

  • Content Authenticity Initiative (C2PA / CAI) — how provenance and content credentials work; includes a verifier tool. Content Authenticity Initiative+1

  • Adobe Content Authenticity blog / tool (easy creator interface for content credentials). Adobe Blog

  • Framing Theory / How Framing Affects Our Understanding — media theory resources (MassComm theory + accessible framing explainers). Mass Communication Theory+1

  • Global Trends and the Future of Photography / AI in Film — background on how tech/AI is changing visual storytelling (context for ethical concerns).

 

Streaming the Conversation: How Netflix Masters Social Media

Introduction -  Netflix is the one business that truly knows how to keep people talking online. Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph founded the company in 1997 when they decided to mail DVDs rather than requiring customers to visit the video store. A major factor in Netflix's ongoing success as one of the largest streaming services globally is its social media presence. Being active and creative online is essential for businesses like Netflix to stay relevant in an era where the majority of audience members obtain their news and entertainment updates from social media apps (as indicated in the Pew Research Center's Social Media Fact Sheet). They communicate with followers and advertise their shows on social media. This also built the kind of connection that keeps people watching and sharing.

How do they do it?

Every social media platform, including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and X (Twitter), has a distinct function for Netflix. They post images and brief videos that appear polished and cinematic on Instagram. They are funnier and more eye catchingon TikTok, where they share memes and popular sound edits that give their posts a genuine, intimate vibe. Their enormous reach is demonstrated by their over 50 million TikTok and 38 million Instagram followers,and YouTube sits at over 10 million subscribers. They also keep audiences up to date by posting New season dates and snippets/ trailers of everyone's favorite shows.

What I like about Netflix’s social media is that it doesn’t feel like a bunch of boring ads. It’s fun. It feels like a friend who’s just as obsessed with shows as you are. They interact with fans, reply to memes, and even make fun of themselves sometimes. That’s what makes people want to follow and engage with them.

According to some of our other readings, such as The Privacy Project or How Misinformation on Social Media Has Changed News, Netflix appears to be aware of the downsides of social media. They maintain their emphasis on entertainment and community while avoiding political controversy and spreading false content. In a time when false information can quickly damage a company's reputation, this helps them maintain trust and avoid conflict.

Netflix's ability to adjust to the social media trends of 2025 is what sets them apart. Short-form video increases attention spans, according to one of the 14 Important Social Media Trends for 2025. Netflix is all over that with their TikTok and Reels strategy. Additionally, they maintain the concept of "community over content," in which fans actively engage rather than merely watch. Fans produce edits, opinions, and jokes in response to the premiere of shows like Wednesday or Stranger Things, which Netflix then reposts or comments on. This back-and-forth is appropriate for what the readings refer to as "producers," as people who create and consume content. Content creators also help with this by posting personal ratings to different shows which persuades their audiences to Go watch and so forth. 

The human feel of Netflix's website is another factor contributing to its success. Because of their humorous posts, relevant captions, and even fan reactions, the brand comes off as a friend rather than a business. The reading How Social Media Shapes Our Identity claims that social media platforms are where people and brands create their identities. Netflix has created an identity that is enjoyable, welcoming, and ingrained in online culture.

The impact ..

The fact that Netflix genuinely promotes connections between people is another aspect of the service that I truly enjoy. Netflix makes watching TV a social one, whether it's families watching a new film together, friends binge-watching a show at the same time,  a couple Netflix and chilling or fans worldwide posting their reactions online. People immediately leap into comment sections, post jokes, or join live discussions when anything happens on social media, which strengthens that connection even more. The fact that a single show, such as Money Heist or Squid Game, can have everyone talking at once, regardless of where they are, is kind of cool. It makes me think of the findings from Social Media Usage & Growth Statistics, which demonstrated how online communities are facilitated by common interests.

 My Conclusion + Recommendations

All things taken into account I believe Netflix is among the greatest illustrations of a business using social media effectively. Their ability to stay up to date with trends, interact with fans promptly, and maintain consistency are their strong points. They should provide more localized material for audiences throughout the world, and some of their posts seem unnecessary across platforms. While there is a chance to increase audience engagement through artist collaborations, there are also risks, such as shifting algorithms and competition from other streaming services.The manner in which Netflix incorporates its fans allows people to  spend more time online because they desire engagement rather than just information, as the Social Media Usage & Growth Statistics report demonstrates. That contact is provided by Netflix through conversation, humor, and a sense of shared joy.  

 My only recommendations are that they remove the 1 household thing on the account cause that can get annoying.  

Then also to make more localized content  posts that match the humor or trends of each country instead of using the same ones everywhere.other than that I think they do a great job of making their brand into a community. 

Sources 

Pew Research Center. Social Media Fact Sheet.
Statista (2025). Netflix follower counts across social platforms.
The Verge (2024). From Streaming to Meme-ing: How Netflix Reinvented Social Media Marketing.
Wired (2023). TikTok’s Role in Changing Entertainment Marketing.
14 Important Social Media Trends 2025.
The New York Times — The Privacy Project.
How Social Media Shapes Our Identity.
Netflix official pages: Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube

Selling Beauty: From Lux Soap to Dove’s “Real Beauty”

I decided to focus on this topic because I’ve always been interested in how beauty standards affect people’s confidence, especially for women. Ads like these don’t just sell soap they shape what we think “beautiful” means, and that idea changes depending on the time period and culture.

1950s Lux Soap Ad , “For Lovelier Skin”

Advertising has always been more than just a commercial business; it serves as a window into the values of society at any given moment. The primary objective of advertising, according to The Ads Affair: How the Industry Has Changed and Is Changing, is to establish emotional connections between people and products by influencing our views of ourselves and others through repetition, storytelling, and imagery. The values we live by beauty, success, gender, and even happiness are shaped by advertisements, from the earliest print advertisements to the emergence of television and now digital marketing.

The Lux Soap Ad: Glamour, Stardom, and Perfection

The Lux Soap advertisement I chose was released in the early 1950s and shows a confidently smiling Hollywood actress standing next to a bar of Lux Soap. "9 out of 10 movie stars use Lux for lovelier skin" is the headline. The woman's immaculate, radiant face is the first thing that draws the attention; her skin appears airbrushed, and the lighting gives her an almost surreal appearance. Soft pinks and creams make up the color scheme, which represents purity and femininity. This advertisement is an excellent example of what the textbook's Chapter 10 refers to as the "aspirational appeal," an emotive strategy that persuades viewers that utilizing a product will help them achieve their ideal lives. In this instance, the ideal was societal acceptance and Hollywood beauty.

In the 1950s, gender roles were being redefined in a world that was fast modernizing while America was recuperating from World War II. These kinds of advertisements contributed to the upholding of conventional domestic values by implying that women's beauty and charm were their greatest assets. The reading's idea of a "promotional window into society" is ideal in this situation since advertising not only reflected but also contributed to the definition of culture. In addition to selling soap, the Lux Soap advertisement promoted the notion that a woman's identity depended on her attractiveness and admiration. The sophisticated stance, the soft lighting, and the celebrity association all contribute to that message. Middle-class women who desired to feel attractive and current were the target market. Additionally, there is a subtle power dynamic at work: males were hardly ever never shown using beauty products, while women were taught to pursue “loveliness” as their main goal.

After careful examination, this advertisement uses a number of traditional strategies outlined in Advertising Appeals: An Overview: stereotype, which associates femininity with softness, freshness, and perfection, and puffery, or exaggerated boasts ("9 out of 10 movie stars!"). Additionally, it employs emotional appeal by portraying beauty as a means of achieving social success and happiness. Despite its seeming innocence, it led to irrational expectations that impacted how generations of women saw themselves.

The Dove Ad: Authenticity, Inclusion, and Self-Acceptance

Dove's "Real Beauty" commercial fully reverses the narrative in the present day. In one contemporary advertisement, women of different ages, colors, and body shapes are shown standing together in basic white tank tops and trousers while smiling confidently. There is only natural lighting and realism, not Hollywood glitz or airbrushed beauty. Lux contributed to the development of the conventional beauty standard, which is challenged by the tagline, "You are more beautiful than you think."

Dove uses what the Guide to Advertising Technology refers to as "values-based marketing" to connect with consumers through shared principles rather than unachievable objectives. Dove's appeal is likewise emotive. It appeals to confidence, diversity, and empowerment. Dove sells self-acceptance, whereas Lux offered a fantasy. This trend illustrates how advertising has adjusted to societal shifts, especially the impact of feminism and body-positive social media discussions.

Dove's strategy is strategic, though. According to AI in Advertising: Everything You Need to Know, contemporary firms use data analytics to comprehend the feelings of their customers and adjust their advertising. It's possible that Dove's team examined the growing unhappiness with unrealistic beauty standards and took advantage of this cultural shift to reinterpret what "beautiful" meant. The message is empowering, but it still has a commercial purpose selling soap by appealing to the audience's need for genuineness.

Dove's advertisement additionally shows gender differently than Lux's. Dove promotes uniqueness and diversity rather than the stereotype of the "perfect woman." It acknowledges that beauty is now plural rather than singular. The social connections that underlie the advertisement have also evolved. Women now claim their own beauty instead of the 1950s notion of women portraying beauty for others. Dove uses "real" women rather than models because, as The Rise and Fall of the TV Commercial points out, contemporary advertising depends more on relatability than celebrity.

What Has Changed and Why It Matters

A comparison of the Lux and Dove advertisements demonstrates how advertising changes in tandem with societal values. Being "good" in the 1950s meant conforming to gender norms and having a flawless appearance. Being self-assured, genuine, and at ease in one's own skin is now considered "good." Both advertisements promote beauty, but because they target distinct demographics and cultural contexts, they define it differently.

Additionally, advertising strategies have seen significant shift. While Dove employs digital storytelling, viral ads, and data-driven customisation, Lux depended on glamor photography and traditional media. Future Proofing Public Relations in the Age of Digital Media explores how social media involvement has enabled customers to actively participate in creating brand narratives. Therefore, in order to avoid backlash, current advertisements must be in line with actual social conversations.

The impact of advertising on culture, however, has remained unchanged. Advertisements continue to tell us who we should be or who we already are, and whether we realize it or not, we continue to internalize those messages. Studying them is important because of this. They are influencing people's perceptions of identity and value in addition to selling goods. In contrast to Dove's statement that beauty stems from self-love, Lux's advertisement promised that beauty might win love and adoration. Ultimately, both demonstrate how advertising will always be a reflection of the times, employing imagery and emotion to promote a worldview as much as a product.

Overall, comparing these two ads really showed me how much advertising both shapes and reflects the culture around it. The definition of beauty has changed, but the goal of advertising to connect emotionally and influence how people see themselves has always stayed the same.

Reference and Links 

References & Links
The Ads Affair: How the Industry Has Changed and Is Changing. Read here.
Advertising Appeals: An Overview. Read here.
Guide to Advertising Technology (Executive Summary & Key Findings). Read here.
Future Proofing Public Relations in the Age of Digital Media. Read here.
The Rise and Fall of the TV Commercial. Read here.
Textbook, Chapter 10 & 11 – Concepts on advertising appeals, audience targeting, and emotional influence.
Lux Soap advertisement (1950s). Courtesy of the AdAccess Project, Duke University Libraries.
Dove “Real Beauty” campaign (2020s). From Dove / Unilever Official Site.

Biden’s 2024 State of the Union: How the Speech, the Media, and the Internet All Told Different Stories

For this assignment I watched President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address delivered to a joint session of Congress on March 7, 2024 at the U.S. Capitol. This speech mattered to me  because it wasn’t just a regular update on the country 2024 was an election year, tensions were high, and Biden clearly used the speech to remind people what's at stake for democracy, rights, and foreign policy. I watched the full version on C-SPAN and read the official transcript from the White House website. The link to the transcript is here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-

My understandings ..

The most striking element of the speech that caught my attention was Biden's tone. He arrived angry and, to be honest, more enthusiastic than he normally appears. I basically learned that American democracy is at jeopardy and that we cannot afford to goof around. In addition, he emphasized economic benefits, reducing prescription costs, defending reproductive rights, assisting Ukraine, and increasing aid to Gaza. Without mentioning Trump, Biden frequently referred to "my predecessor," which was essentially shade disguised as presidential language.

.....

He used all three arguments in order to persuade everyone listening . By showcasing his extensive life story and achievements, he employed principles. By emphasizing true stories such as those of parents who lost children to gun violence, he employed tragedy to stir up strong feelings. Additionally, he employed illustrations by presenting data on employment, infrastructure, and medical expenses. He portrayed policy issues rather than merely listing them, which is why I found the emotional appeal to be the most convincing. For me, it was effective because Biden seemed confident and direct. But if someone didn’t already support him, I don’t think the speech would magically convert them. The speech felt designed more to motivate supporters than to persuade undecided or conservative audiences.

Media coverage

I read articles from Fox News and The Washington Post to compare how different news organizations presented the speech.
The Washington Post described the address as robust and particularly "fiery," emphasizing how Biden utilized the occasion to persuasively argue that rights and democracy were in danger. They emphasized Biden's boldness and policy specifics. Their reporting reflected what I observed: a president attempting to project strength and authority in spite of age-related worries.

More ..

Conversely, Fox News adopted an entirely different stance. They concentrated on complaints from Republican lawmakers as well as questions regarding Biden's age and memory. They mostly focused on his gaffes, interruptions, and GOP reactions rather than his actual suggestions. This is an obvious illustration of media framing, which is discussed in our reading, "The New Media's Role in Politics." The news is more than simply what transpired; it's also how the media presents it.
I then visited X (Twitter) to observe actual people's reactions. The reading "Are Social Media Driving Political Polarization?" warns about social media. The remarks were basically two extremes with no middle ground.

 

 

 

  • Democrats praised Biden’s energy and said he “shut down the age narrative.”

  • Republicans said he was yelling, confused, and “out of touch.”

  • Viral clips were edited to make him look great or terrible depending on who posted them. 

  • Social media responses were, to be honest, less informed, more heated, and more emotional. This is consistent with the reading "How Propaganda Works in the Digital Age," which describes how platforms encourage emotive material, even if it simplifies or misrepresents the facts.

 

Media Frames : Accurate or Biased?

The Washington Post's frame was reasonably true in my opinion. Both Biden's tone and the policy aspects were discussed. They acknowledged what he truly said, but they didn't act as though he was perfect.


Although Fox News wasn't lying, their reporting seemed biased and shaped a particular narrative. They choose specific details to support the narrative that their audience anticipates, which is a typical example of framing bias.


The frame was the most skewed on social media since interaction, not accuracy, is the main objective. People's responses frequently rely more on identity and emotions than on facts, according to the reading "An Overlooked and Increasingly Important Clue to How People Vote."

 

 

Foreign outlets like BBC or The Guardian focused more on the global impact Ukraine, Gaza, and U.S. political instability. Their angle was less emotional and more analytical.

 

 

 

My conclusion 

After comparing everything, I noticed how easy it is for the media, particularly social media, to remix the same event into completely distinct stories, but I also recognized that my own interpretation of the speech aligned more with mainstream sites like The Washington Post. For factual information, traditional media is still more trustworthy, but the framing always reflects the political slant of the outlet. Because it increases emotion, false information, and identity-based responses, social media is the least trustworthy. I was also reminded by the readings on AI and democracy that technology can disseminate political propaganda more quickly than humans can verify it.

In general, the way politicians are portrayed in the media and on social media differs from how they actually speak. I learned how crucial media literacy is throughout this entire task, particularly during election seasons. As viewers, this means that we must watch the original content whenever possible and avoid letting biased headlines or TikTok edits influence how we perceive political communication in general.

Citations

 

White House. (2024). *State of the Union Address 2024*. [https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/07/remarks-by-president-biden-in-the-state-of-the-union-address-3/](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/03/07/remarks-by-president-biden-in-the-state-of-the-union-address-3/

**News Articles**

The Washington Post. (2024). *Biden delivers fiery State of the Union*. [https://www.washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com)
Fox News. (2024). *Republicans criticize Biden’s State of the Union*. [https://www.foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com)

 **Social Media**

X. (2024). *Public reactions to Biden’s 2024 State of the Union*. [https://twitter.com](https://twitter.com)

 **Course Readings**

Klein, E. (2022). *An overlooked clue to how people vote*. Vox.
Pew Research Center. (2023). *The new media’s role in politics*.
Pew Research Center. (2023). *Are social media driving political polarization?*
Brooks, D. (2023). *How propaganda works in the digital age*. *The New York Times*.
Isaac, M., & Roose, K. (2024). *How AI puts elections at risk*. *The New York Times*.
Hao, K. (2023). *Can democracy survive the disruptive power of AI?* *The Atlantic*.

 

 

Extra Credit 

Answering the questions I first had at the start of the semester 

 

My answer to the Questions I had 

At the beginning of the semester, I had so many questions about how social media affects mental health and self-image, especially for college students who are constantly on social.  After taking this class, I feel like I better understand why social media has such a strong impact. Through our readings and discussion questions, I learned how platforms encourage constant comparison through likes, followers, and idealized images. As a student and athlete, this helped me realize that feelings of insecurity aren’t random; they’re shaped by media systems designed to keep people engaged and comparing themselves to others.

I was also curious about representation in media and how race, gender, and culture influence the way people see themselves. This class made me more aware of how certain groups are portrayed in limited or stereotypical ways, while others are underrepresented. I started noticing these patterns in sports media, especially how female athletes are often discussed differently from male athletes. This helped me understand how the media doesn’t just reflect society, but actively shapes identity and perception.

Finally, learning about how athletes and public figures build personal brands through media really connected to my own experiences as a track athlete. I found it interesting to see how athletes use social media to connect with fans and share their lives beyond competition, but also how that creates pressure to always be visible. Discussions about AI and misinformation also showed me how quickly the media is changing and how important it is for platforms to be responsible. Overall, this class helped me answer many of the questions I started the semester with, and I'm very happy about that!

China’s Media System Compared to the United States

With a large population, a rapidly expanding economy, and a powerful centralized government headed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), China is one of the most powerful nations in the world. China is a one-party authoritarian regime, which has a significant influence on its laws, media practices, and cultural norms. Even while China has rapidly modernized and digitized, particularly in the areas of technology and the internet, the government nevertheless strictly regulates public communication and information. As a result, China's media landscape differs greatly from that of the US, where the First Amendment guarantees press and speech freedom.

Press Theory, Globalization, and Media Control

The Authoritarian Theory of the Press, one of the four theories covered in Chapter 15, most closely resembles China's media structure. According to this perspective, the media's principal purpose is to uphold social order and assist the government, not to question authority or portray different points of view. The majority of significant media outlets in China are either directly owned by the state or subject to strict regulation. Major newspapers, radio stations, and television networks like CCTV are all governed by the government, and journalists are expected to adhere to party policies. 

China’s media system aligns most closely with the Authoritarian Theory of the Press, discussed in Chapter 15. Under this model, media serves the interests of the state rather than acting as an independent watchdog. Most major Chinese media outlets including newspapers, television networks, and radio stations are state-owned or closely regulated. Journalists are expected to follow party guidelines, and content that challenges the government is censored or removed.

Globalization has complicated this system. As explained in A Brief History of Globalization, advances in communication technology make information harder to contain. China has responded by embracing globalization economically while limiting its political and cultural effects. This selective approach allows the country to benefit from global markets and digital innovation while maintaining control over public discourse. In contrast, the United States reflects Libertarian and Social Responsibility theories of the press, prioritizing freedom of expression, press independence, and the media’s role in holding power accountable.

 

Media Sectors: China vs. the United States

China’s print media includes publications such as People’s Daily, which functions as an official voice of the CCP. While journalism exists, it lacks the investigative freedom found in U.S. newspapers like The New York Times. In the United States, the First Amendment protects journalists’ right to criticize the government, even though corporate ownership can influence content.

Radio and television in China are dominated by state broadcasters such as China Central Television (CCTV). Programming emphasizes nationalism, social stability, and government-approved narratives. In contrast, U.S. radio and television are mostly privately owned and offer a wide range of political viewpoints. While media consolidation is a concern in the U.S., audiences still have access to far more diverse perspectives than in China.

China’s film industry is one of the largest in the world, but films must pass government review before release. Foreign films are limited through quota systems, and politically sensitive topics are restricted. The U.S. film industry operates with fewer content restrictions, allowing filmmakers greater creative freedom, even though market pressures still shape production choices. This difference highlights how cultural globalization is filtered through political systems.

Internet Freedom, the Digital Divide, and Inequality

China's media system is very different from the US one when it comes to the internet. Platforms like Google, Instagram, YouTube, and X are blocked by China's "Great Firewall," and state-monitored substitutes like WeChat and Weibo take their place. Online surveillance and censorship are pervasive. In terms of internet freedom, the United States is still "Free," despite persistent worries about false information, while China is categorized as "Not Free," according to the 2025 Freedom House Report.

Global media inequality is made more difficult by the digital divide. Unfair access to digital technology leads to new types of inequality, as was covered in With Almost Half of the World's Population Still Offline. Although millions of people in China now have more access to the internet, access does not equate to freedom. While internet access generally permits unrestricted political expression in the United States, it is strictly regulated in China.

Press Freedom Indicators and Global Communication

Due to censorship, political pressure, and a lack of journalistic independence, China is ranked near the bottom of the world in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index. The United States is ranked far higher, but it still has issues with falling public trust and economic constraints on news organizations. These rankings reflect broader political and cultural values: the U.S. places more emphasis on individual rights and free expression, whereas China places more emphasis on social stability and government authority.


The Growth of Global Communication, a PBS program, shows how governments continue to have a significant influence on how information spreads even when global media technologies connect individuals all over the world. The idea that globalization inevitably results in democracy or press freedom is called into question by China's system.

Conclusion

Media reflects political principles just as much as technology, as can be seen when comparing China's media system to that of the US. China's authoritarian system restricts transparency and freedom of expression while permitting centralized control and message. Despite its challenges with corporate influence and disinformation, the U.S. system promotes democratic involvement and a variety of perspectives. Both systems have been linked by globalization, although in different ways. In the end, citizens' capacity to obtain information, express themselves, and actively engage in society is directly impacted by the degree of media freedom.

 

 

 

 

References 

Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). What is globalization? Retrieved from
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-globalization
Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). A brief history of globalization. Retrieved from
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/brief-history-globalization
United Nations. (n.d.). What is the digital divide? Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/en/un75/digital-divide
United Nations. (2020). With almost half of world’s population still offline, digital divide risks becoming ‘new face of inequality’. Retrieved from
https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/ga12223.doc.htm
Reporters Without Borders. (2025). World Press Freedom Index 2025. Retrieved from
https://rsf.org/en/index
Freedom House. (2025). Freedom in the world 2025: Key findings. Retrieved from
https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world
Public Broadcasting Service. (n.d.). The growth of global communication. PBS.

Create Your Own Website With Webador