What are the techniques employed to target you to consume?

Part 1: Advertising and your social media platform

Select a social media platform that you use (Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, etc.) Remember you will use this same platform for the rest of the assignment so select wisely.

1. Does your platform market an ideal life of perfection? Why does it/ does it not do this? What is the paradigm (world-view) your platform promote and why? Give a specific example and explain in a concise manner the impact of this.

2. What are the techniques employed to target you to consume? (think about advertising- we just studied this). Do you think your platform is successful? How do you know? Explain.

3. Does your platform perpetuate systems of patriarchy? If so, how so? If not, then explain how it dismantles systems of patriarchy- give a specific example in either case.

4. Does your engagement in your platfform result in “manufacturing consent”? Does your consumption of this commodity mirror your values? How do you reconcile your participation with this platform? Please explain in a concise manner by giving a specific example. (critical self-reflection)

Part 2: – McLuhan and your social media platform

1. What is your medium and what is the message behind it? ( explain in terms of McLuhan) And how is your platform an extension of you? (make sure you employ the appropriate terminology here)

2. What are the amputations of your platform, the ‘unintended consequences’? (select one specific example and explain). It might help to think along the lines of any one of the following: trolling, body shaming, social anxiety, narcissism, etc.

3. How easy or hard is it to go without your platform on a dialy basis? For you, is it even possible to be away from popular culture?

Why do we find it ‘necessary’ to be ‘connected’ at all times? (critical thinking)

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