lesson 6: marxism and digital communication Flashcards
what do cornford and robins argue about digital communication?
marxists who argue that digital communication is not new, just a different version of other forms of communication whose effects have been exaggerated by post-modernists
why do cornford and robin criticise post-modernists claims about digital communication?
PMs say that DC is presented as democratic which leads to greater equality in spread of new ideas, but this is not the case. argue that those who own media are capitalists seeking money and power. media (news & entertainment) shapes populations beliefs.
what did bagdikian argue about digital communication?
marxist who said non-digital media is owned by smaller and smaller number of media moguls. they influence content and organisation of media with predominantly conservative values
what has media convergence led to according to marxists?
greater opportunity for cross fertilisation of ideas and marketing strategies, so media can be sold in variety of formats, creating opportunity for profit
what do marxists argue about digital communication?
new forms of DC reinforce and maintain inequalities in society and ideologically control people in new and subtle ways
how much does rupert murdoch own of UK news consumption?
around one fifth
how does media ownership reflect capitalist ideology?
media gains power through money and is easy for the few people who control the media to transmit their own ideas and dominate. very easily available and widespread so beliefs widely accepted by public
why is digital communication not regulated well?
-used a form of surveillance to control and regulate people by ruling class, no incentive to create regulation
-little economic incentive
-dc mediated by private companies meaning few laws governing moral responsibilities
how does digital communication threaten privacy (cornford & robins)?
A
people under surveillance and info collected on them. under the guise of “protection”. people unclear on how information is collected and guidelines on how companies use personal info is unclear. allows companies to subtly control people as can know everything about an individual. perpetuates capitalism
what did the snowden report reveal?
revealed how surveillance had been misused in accessing digital forms of communication by US & UK govts. had access to personal and private communications which was justified as national security and protection of the public from terrorists. demonstrates extent of surveillance by govt, proves their misuse of peoples data and breaches of privacy
give two positive evaluation points about marxist views on digital communication.
-still relevant in todays society and are adjusted over time in accordance with new developments
-shared awareness of implications of digital communication and now know data can be accessed to companies
give two negative evaluation points about marxist views on digital communication.
-dc offers bourgeoisie new methods of controlling proletariat
-owners of media companies condition people into accepting society as it is
