Instructions: For this assignment, you are to describe in writing or video a cur
Instructions: For this assignment, you are to describe in writing or video a current issue in terms of at least two of the four communication theories covered in this media theory and effects course.
Please go into reasonable detail in describing your chosen issue in terms of applicable theory – I recommend a minimum of 600 words (about two pages).
This assignment is based on notes and materials from Weeks 1 through 5.
Consistent with academic writing standards, cite your sources using an APA format within your narrative and fully reference your sources at the end of your post.
Hints: Perhaps the best way to explain this final written assignment is through example, and, herein, my example is the use of by college students of the AI-assisted writing program ChatGPT.
First and foremost, it is relatively easy to apply the diffusion of innovation model to adoption of ChatGPT (an innovation) within a social system (college students).
Viewing the college student as the ‘user’, we can also readily describe why college students may actively seek out and use this AI application to meet their perceived ‘needs’. Such concepts as ‘relative advantage’ and ‘trialability’ included in the diffusion model for the rate of adoption work well here in combining/applying two mass communication theories (diffusion and uses and gratifications) to this social phenomenon.
Mainstream media has also clearly found the adoption of ChatGPT by college students to be newsworthy. There are also clearly elements of priming and framing in the coverage of this innovation.
Social learning can also applied here, particularly in terms of how students learn to effectively use ChatGPT to meet their academic needs (and clearly relates back to the concept of observability used the diffusion model’s discussion of rate of adoption).
And, on a more practical note, it is probably best to use an issue for this assignment wherein you can find a lot of content – moving past AI-assisted writing (which some of you as innovators or early adopters are already using), having a lot of source material to draw from makes the writing process easier.
Due Date:
Your assignment is due by Sunday, September 24, at 11:59 pm.
