scholarly journals Digital media in a contemporary conflict – example of Ukraine

Author(s):  
Aleksandra Galus ◽  
Yuliia Nesteriak

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia provides many examples of using media, including technologically new ones, to conduct information warfare. The article focuses on the issue of the importance of digital media in the context of war in eastern Ukraine and socio-political protests (2013/2014) that preceded the armed conflict. This article analyzes the methods of instrumental usage of digital media by Russia as the dominant entity in conducting aggressive information warfare against Ukraine as well as civic actions on the Ukrainian side aimed at counteracting Russian propaganda. The results show that, in the times of the mediatization of war, different entities tend to actively use both traditional media present in the digital space and social media. In addition, this work systematizes the conceptual apparatus related to the discussed issues. The article is based on the analysis of case studies (mainly Russian RT and Ukrainian, social initiative StopFake), content analysis, analysis and criticism of literature, and examination of source studies. The article complements the current debate on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia by highlighting the role of digital media in the context of information warfare and by showing that digital media, especially social media, can be a platform adopted not only by state actors, but also for citizens.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Abdullah ◽  
Kurdistan Saeed ◽  
Kanaan Abdullah

This study examines the nature of the relationship between journalists and politicians in the age of media entrepreneurship, with emphasis on the factors and challenges faced by both media entrepreneurs and politicians while using digital media. This study relies on an inductive approach through using the qualitative method, this involves conducting interviews (N: 41) with journalists to discover whether they work in traditional media organizations or/and own and manage digital media enterprises, it also brings to lights new information about politicians, especially those who have media inclinations. This study reveals that digital media provide journalists with opportunities to achieve professional and financial independence. However, their work in the context of Iraqi scope does not go beyond spreading propaganda and promoting various agenda of political parties and politicians. In terms of the content of media entrepreneurship, this study unveils anonymous social media which are affiliated with/ or supported by politicians which work as piracy for trolling political opponents and activists. It is assumed that such social media have serious repercussions for freedom and privacy. This worries activists and journalists that they are unable to express their opinions freely for fear of being attacked by anonymous social media working on behalf of politicians. Therefore, the ethics of social media and their ownership seems to be a major concern in the Iraqi political media space, and it should be taken into consideration in future research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Bali ◽  
Kurdistan Saeed ◽  
Kanaan Abdullah

This study examines the nature of the relationship between journalists and politicians in the age of media entrepreneurship, with emphasis on the factors and challenges faced by both media entrepreneurs and politicians while using digital media. This study relies on an inductive approach through using the qualitative method, this involves conducting interviews (N: 41) with journalists to discover whether they work in traditional media organizations or/and own and manage digital media enterprises, it also brings to lights new information about politicians, especially those who have media inclinations. This study reveals that digital media provide journalists with opportunities to achieve professional and financial independence. However, their work in the context of Iraqi scope does not go beyond spreading propaganda and promoting various agenda of political parties and politicians. In terms of the content of media entrepreneurship, this study unveils anonymous social media which are affiliated with/ or supported by politicians which work as piracy for trolling political opponents and activists. It is assumed that such social media have serious repercussions for freedom and privacy. This worries activists and journalists that they are unable to express their opinions freely for fear of being attacked by anonymous social media working on behalf of politicians. Therefore, the ethics of social media and their ownership seems to be a major concern in the Iraqi political media space, and it should be taken into consideration in future research.


2021 ◽  
pp. 026666692098340
Author(s):  
Kevin Onyenankeya

The future of journalism is being shaped by the convergence of technology and societal shifts. For indigenous language press in Africa battling to stay afloat amidst stiff competition from traditional media, the pervasive and rapidly encroaching digital transformation holds both opportunities and potential threats. Using a qualitative approach, this paper examined the implication of the shift to digital media for the future of the indigenous language newspaper in Africa and identifies opportunities for its sustainability within the framework of the theories of technological determinism and alternative media. The analysis indicates poor funding, shrinking patronage, and competition from traditional and social media as the major factors facing indigenous newspapers. It emerged that for indigenous language newspapers to thrive in the rapidly changing and technology-driven world they need to not only adapt to the digital revolution but also explore a business model that combines a futuristic outlook with a practical approach.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 205630511876443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Kutscher ◽  
Lisa-Marie Kreß

In 2015, an unprecedented number of unaccompanied minor refugees came to Europe. To verify reports in mass media as well as professionals’ and volunteers’ impressions regarding the importance of digital media, this empirical study was conducted in the summer of 2015 in cooperation with the “Children’s Charity of Germany” (Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk e.V.). The study focused on the question of how unaccompanied minor refugees use digital (social and mobile) media in the context of their forced migration to Germany. It explored how they use these media to stay in contact with family and friends in their country of origin and beyond, to establish new relationships, to orientate themselves in the receiving country, and to search for (professional) support. Thus, the role of digital media in maintaining transnational social networks and enabling participation in a receiving society is investigated. This article presents key findings and their theoretical implications as well as a methodological and ethical reflection on this research.


Author(s):  
Suci Sandi Wachyuni ◽  
Tri Kuntoro Priyambodo

Purpose of the study: The phenomenon of electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) or word of mouth communication in marketing activities on digital media is one of the most important things in improving the purchasing decision of a product or services. This study aims to analyze the effect of celebrity endorsement on consumer purchase decisions, case studies at Nona Judes Restaurant. Methodology: This research is mixed-method, both qualitative and quantitative. Data collection techniques in this study were interviews and questionnaires that were measured using a Likert scale. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 respondents who were consumers of the Nona Judes restaurant. The data were analyzed using simple linear regression analysis. Main Findings: The results of this study indicate that celebrity endorsement influences product purchase decisions. The contribution of celebrity endorsement variables to product purchase decisions is 25.9%. Researchers concluded that there are several factors considered in selecting endorsers. These factors include big names and experiences, appearance, social media strength of endorsers, and communication skills. Implications: This study is offering suggestions for company management in determining celebrity for product endorsement. The orders of indicators to consider are (1) Power, (2) Credibility, (3) Attraction. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research specifically addresses the role of celebrity endorsement in product purchase decisions in restaurants. This study also produced endorser selection criteria and their indicators, i.e. 1) Power (fame, strengths on social media); 2) Credibility (the truth of information, endorser information skills); 3) Attractiveness (physical appearance, endorser’s characters).


Author(s):  
Irina N. Lipilina ◽  

Throughout 2020 youth protests did not stop in Thailand. They began as a reaction to the dissolution by the Constitutional Court of the New Future party, which is aimed at a youth audience. After the introduction of antiepidemiological restrictions street demonstrations stopped, but the activity of their participants shifted to social networks. In a digital space that is less subject to government censorship, the protest agenda has expanded and escalated significantly. As soon as the ban on demonstrations was lifted, the performances continued, but with more drastic demands, which were originally formulated on social networks. This article examines the impact of social media on the radicalization of youth protest in Thailand.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Francois Daoust ◽  
Katherine V.R. Sullivan

Background  This article aims to revisit the role of digital media in acquiring campaign-specific information.Analysis  We use datasets from the Making Electoral Democracy Work project that include campaign-specific questions to analyze six regions in three democracies (Canada, Spain, and France).Conclusion and implications  Results demonstrate that voters have a moderate level of campaign-specific knowledge and that traditional media are, at first glance, more useful to acquire political information. Nevertheless, when in interaction with partisanship, traditional media display a surprisingly greater selection bias effect and appear less useful to acquire information. We thus argue that digital media are in fact not more vulnerable to potential echo chambers that would lead to a homogenous information environment.Contexte  Cet article cherche revoir le rôle numériques des medias dans l’acquisition d’information de campagne.Analyse  Nous utilisons les données du projet Making Electoral Democracy Work qui inclut des question d’information politique spécifiques de campagnes électorales pour analyser six regions dans trois démocraties (Canada, Espagne et France).Conclusion et implications  Les résultats démontrent que les électeurs ont un niveau modéré d’information politique de campagnes électorales et que les medias traditionnels sont, à première vue, plus utiles pour en faire l’acquisition. Néanmoins, en interaction avec les individus partisans, ces médias traditionnels sont l’objet d’un biais de sélection plus important et apparaissent donc moins utiles. Nous soutenons donc que les médias numériques ne sont pas plus vulnérable aux de chambre d’écho qui mènerait à un environnement d’information homogène.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Princewell Nwanganga Achor ◽  
Justie O. Nnabuko

Background  Existing literature depicts public relations practitioners as gatekeepers. Despite this, limited research exists on how much of a gatekeeping role public relations practitioners play in their organizations’ communication with the publics in the social media domain. Analysis  This article bridges the research gap by examining the dual role of quasi-gatekeeping and quasi-gatewatching performed by public relations practitioners in their attempt to communicate, regulate, and manage information in the social media domain and market-space media environment. Conclusion and implications  Discussion of these two distinct roles expands the frontiers of gatekeeping studies in public relations practice and communication studies, through the introduction of a new mixed-flow model of the gatekeeping function of public relations practitioners in the digital media landscape.RÉSUMÉContexte  En dépit de la littérature existante montre que les spécialistes des relations publiques en tant que gardiens, cependant, il y a peu de recherches sur la quantité de rôle de surveillance les spécialistes en relations publiques jouent dans leurs organisations la communication avec le public dans le domaine des médias sociaux. Analyse  Par conséquent, cet article se ferme cette lacune en examinant le rôle de la dualité de pouvoirs quasi-control et quasi-gatewatching effectuée par le spécialistes des relations publiques dans leur tentative de communiquer, réglementer et gérer l’information dans le domaine des médias sociaux. Conclusion et implications  La discussion sur ces deux rôles distincts a enrichi la compréhension et les frontières d’un contrôle dans la pratique des relations publiques par l’introduction d’un nouveau modèle de flux mixtes de contrôle dans le paysage médiatique numérique.


Author(s):  
Olu Jenzen ◽  
Itir Erhart ◽  
Hande Eslen-Ziya ◽  
Umut Korkut ◽  
Aidan McGarry

This article explores how Twitter has emerged as a signifier of contemporary protest. Using the concept of ‘social media imaginaries’, a derivative of the broader field of ‘media imaginaries’, our analysis seeks to offer new insights into activists’ relation to and conceptualisation of social media and how it shapes their digital media practices. Extending the concept of media imaginaries to include analysis of protestors’ use of aesthetics, it aims to unpick how a particular ‘social media imaginary’ is constructed and informs their collective identity. Using the Gezi Park protest of 2013 as a case study, it illustrates how social media became a symbolic part of the protest movement by providing the visualised possibility of imagining the movement. In previous research, the main emphasis has been given to the functionality of social media as a means of information sharing and a tool for protest organisation. This article seeks to redress this by directing our attention to the role of visual communication in online protest expressions and thus also illustrates the role of visual analysis in social movement studies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 784-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Dhoest

The key role of digital and mobile media for refugees is increasingly acknowledged, but while the literature on the topic tends to celebrate the advantages of digital media, it is important to also acknowledge limitations. Thus, the focus on the creation and maintenance of connections through digital media may obscure experiences and practices of disconnection. This is certainly the case for forced migrants with non-normative sexual orientations, for whom experiences of homophobia within the family and ethno-cultural community in the country of origin may extend to fraught situations in the country of residence. As with digital media in general, it is important to consider the ‘offline’ social and cultural conditions determining online media uses. This article focuses on the specific challenges for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer refugees, both in general and in Belgium, drawing on desk research and expert interviews, as well as nine in-depth interviews with gay-identifying male refugees. While the refugees are relatively positive about the Belgian situation, they do identify a number of challenges. They use digital media to stay connected to family and other people in the country of origin, but often this connection has become difficult. Social media and dating sites also offer a way to connect to other gay men, but these connections can be equally fraught, particularly in the country of origin for danger of exposure but also in Belgium as social media transcend national boundaries. For this reason, some participants created new or parallel profiles, to keep their gay lives disconnected from their family lives. Overall, then, digital media are a tool not only of connection but also of strategic disconnection for gay refugees.


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