Journal. Media, Volume 5, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 8 articles

This research examines the portrayal of (non)motherhood in television series from 2016 to 2022. The title, “(Un)being a Mother”, was deliberately chosen for its polysemic nature, facilitating an exploration of the complexities of motherhood, its absence, and the implications for womanhood. The study thematically analyzes 15 television series from Hispanic, Italian, and Anglo-American cultures to reveal the diverse perspectives on motherhood. Utilizing the frameworks of Intensive Mothering, Good Mothering, Good Enough Mothering, and Non-Mothering (including both childless and childfree women), the research aims to illuminate representations of motherhood, variations in mothering paradigms, and the influence of cultural and geographical contexts. This study introduces an innovative methodological approach by investigating recurring themes of (non)motherhood across different cultural productions, incorporating insights from media sociology, gender media studies, anthropology, and ethnographic media research for a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Full article

Online media serves as the central platform for information dissemination; however, the rise of information disorders threatens the credibility and authenticity of public information. In China, the transformative impact of the digital age has intensified these disorders, significantly altering the media ecology. This study investigated the underlying mechanisms of information overload, algorithmic intervention, and audience polarization, which contribute to the phenomenon of information disorders. By analyzing the roles of content producers, distribution mediums, and audiences within the Chinese context, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. Furthermore, addressing information disorders within the digital media ecosystem has become a critical global challenge. Through a systematic literature review, this study explored potential strategies for mitigating these disorders in China, emphasizing the application of constructive journalism. The constructive journalism framework is proposed as a set of journalistic norms that can foster a healthier and more sustainable online media environment. By enhancing professional ethics, clarifying the instrumental rationality of technology, and employing positive psychology, this approach aims to reduce audience polarization and realize the public value of information dissemination. Full article

Disadvantaged groups often face negative portrayals in the media, particularly in news outlets. These portrayals lead to misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. Adding insult to injury, issues important to these groups, such as discrimination, are often reported with bias. Furthermore, media outlets present discrimination discourse differently, evolving from general to specific issues over time. Television news, a primary information source for 76% of Flemish households significantly shapes public perceptions. Therefore, examining television news portrayal of discrimination is crucial, as it can either reinforce or challenge existing prejudices. This longitudinal study analyzes Flemish television news coverage of discrimination (N = 252) from 2017 to 2021, comparing the public broadcaster VRT with its commercial counterpart VTM. Racial discrimination was the most frequently reported issue, influenced by global movements like Black Lives Matter (BLM). There was an increase in coverage of sexuality-related discrimination in 2021, reflecting heightened media focus on LGBTQ+ issues and activism. The portrayal of discrimination varied, with direct discrimination most frequently reported. While VRT and VTM differed significantly in coverage duration and focus, overall coverage of discrimination topics showed no major disparities. This study emphasizes the need to address intersectionality and systemic issues in media coverage to reflect societal diversity accurately. Full article

Immersive journalism, utilizing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, offers a transformative approach to storytelling by creating deeply engaging news experiences. This study examines the acceptance of immersive journalism by people working in news media industries focusing on different demographic groups. Using qualitative focus groups, participants from varied age groups experienced VR news stories and discussed their perceptions and responses. Key findings revealed high emotional engagement across all demographics, with younger participants showing greater enthusiasm and ease with the technology, while older participants expressed interest but faced technological barriers. Trust in the media and perceived realism were crucial factors influencing acceptance. Concerns about accessibility and inclusivity were also significant, particularly among older and less technologically proficient participants. This study concludes that, for immersive journalism to gain widespread acceptance, media organizations must address technological barriers, enhance user education, and ensure ethical standards in storytelling. These insights contribute to understanding how immersive journalism can be integrated into mainstream media to enhance audience engagement and trust, highlighting the importance of accessibility and emotional resonance in the adoption of innovative media technologies. Full article

This study analyzed 2421 microblogs posted between the year 2012 to March 2022 reflecting the microbloggers’ attitudes toward different cultures. Results indicated that (1) the number of microblog posts expressing the users’ intercultural attitudes increased distinctly from 2019 to March 2022, with females users in general posting more microblogs than males; (2) females posted more microblogs encompassing positive emotions to show their interest and motivation to learn about foreign cultures, and the tendency to value and appreciate cultural differences, whereas males created more sentimentally neutral posts that revealed their recognition of the existence of cultural differences, and females and males posted a similar number of microblogs containing negative emotions; and (3) more posts involved “small c” culture were posted than those containing themes belonging to the “Big C” culture. Gender gap was further observed regarding the cultural themes concerned by the microbloggers. Implications were discussed in the context of intercultural education. Full article

Disney animation studios created and subsequently shaped the animation genre for the last two-thirds of the 20th century, but the appearance of Pixar in the industry and their unstoppable success changed the rules of the game. (1) Apart from a new and revolutionary technology, Pixar introduced a new type of storytelling in animation based on characters and stories that we believe ended up tremendously influencing Disney’s storytelling starting in 2006, when the big animation studio purchased its most threatening competitor. Our study also tries to shed some light on whether the changes happened only at the level of storytelling or also crystallized into better box office and rating data. (2) We aim to clarify this belief and turn it into a reality through the content analysis of Disney animation features before and after the purchase of Pixar. (3) Our results show that Pixar’s influence on Disney is remarkable, both in the movies’ narrative and in their reception by the audience and the critics. (4) This confirms not only the change in the story-telling strategies of the company, enhancing psychological construction of the protagonists of Disney animation features, but also the subsequent impact on its audiences. Full article

This paper examines the dynamics of political listening, news processing, and podcasting in North African countries through the case study of Tunisia. The analysis centers on Tunisian President Kais Saied’s speech on 25 July 2021, in which he dissolved the Parliament and assumed full control, following widespread public protests against the country’s deteriorating conditions. By leveraging the concept of political listening, this study investigates the methods podcasters employ to foster political engagement in Tunisia. The content analysis encompasses five podcasts produced between 25 July and 31 December 2021. The findings reveal that podcasters address the constitutional legitimacy of Saied’s actions and criticize the Ennahda party for its power monopoly attempts. The use of interview-based narratives, coupled with emotional elements such as humor and sarcasm, enhances the linguistic impact, conveys optimism, and garners support for the president. This approach signifies the emergence of an alternative public sphere, purposefully crafted to attract political listening, enrich public knowledge, foster cohesion, and encourage civic participation. Full article

The perceived timeliness of information release (PTIR) refers to the public’s overall assessment of the interval between the generation of information and its dissemination. Scholars are increasingly concerned with understanding how PTIR influences subjective well-being (SWB), which encompasses individuals’ self-evaluation of their life satisfaction, emotional experiences, and overall quality of life. This study proposes a research framework to investigate the relationship between PTIR and SWB among social media users, focusing on the mediating roles of social comparison, social security, and information stock. Utilizing data collected from 708 respondents via the Questionnaire Star app, we employed structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The results indicate that PTIR has a significant positive impact on SWB, primarily through the mediating effects of social security and information stock, while social comparison does not show a significant mediating effect. Additionally, it highlights the varying impact of these mediators based on individuals’ social media usage patterns, with frequent users experiencing a diminished influence of social security and information stock on their SWB. These findings provide valuable insights into the pathways through which PTIR and social media dynamics influence SWB, offering important implications for the theory and practice in enhancing individual well-being in the digital age. Full article