Global Media Week 9 Class 2

“A Day in the Life: How Much Are You Being Influenced?”

Poll

Poll 1: Morning Scroll

When you first open your social media feed, what kind of post is most likely to grab your attention?

• A funny meme or trend

• A dramatic headline

• A post that lots of people have shared

• A post from a creator you trust

Morning Scroll

• A funny meme or trend → Humor can make ideas spread quickly — propaganda often uses humor to lower your guard.

• A dramatic headline → Emotional language pulls attention before you even check accuracy — a persuasion tactic called emotional appeal.

• A post that lots of people have shared → Popularity signals “everyone agrees” — related to social proof, a core persuasive tool.

• A post from a creator you trust → Familiarity builds credibility; propaganda often relies on trusted messengers more than facts.

Morning Scroll

• Takeaway: Propaganda starts by capturing attention — often through emotion, humor, or trust.

Poll

Poll 2: Shopping or Scrolling?

When you see your favorite influencer showing off a product, what’s your first reaction?

• “Ooh, I want to try that!”

• “They’re probably paid for this.”

• “I wonder if it actually works.”

• “I don’t even notice brand stuff anymore.”

Shopping or Scrolling?

• “Ooh, I want to try that!” → Emotional or aspirational persuasion — associating products with identity or belonging.

• “They’re probably paid for this.” → Awareness of sponsorship or agenda; propaganda often hides financial motives.

• “I wonder if it actually works.” → Healthy skepticism — questioning the credibility of persuasive messages.

• “I don’t even notice brand stuff anymore.” → Desensitization — when influence becomes invisible, it’s most effective.

Shopping or Scrolling?

• Takeaway: Advertising and influencer content blend persuasion into entertainment — making propaganda feel “normal.”

Poll

Poll 3: News Feeds

If you see two news headlines about the same event — one calm and one emotional — which one are you more likely to click?

• The calm one that just gives facts

• The emotional one that sounds dramatic

• Depends on who posted it

• I don’t usually click news articles

News Feeds

• The calm one that just gives facts → Rational engagement, though it often gets less traffic — propaganda relies on emotion to win clicks.

• The emotional one that sounds dramatic → Fear or outrage appeals grab attention quickly — even if they distort facts.

• Depends on who posted it → Source credibility affects perception — propaganda thrives when trust replaces verification.

• I don’t usually click news articles → Disengagement also benefits propaganda — people who don’t click can be shaped by headlines alone.

News Feeds

• Takeaway: Modern propaganda often spreads through headlines, not full stories — emotion > accuracy.

Poll

Poll 4: Ads in Disguise

Which of these do you think influences you without realizing it most?

• Background ads in videos or games

• Product placements in TV or movies

• Sponsored posts that look normal

• Sponsored posts that look normal

Ads in Disguise

• Background ads in videos or games → Repetition and visibility normalize ideas (even unconsciously).

• Product placements in TV or movies → Embeds persuasion in storytelling — transfer of emotion from story to brand.

• Sponsored posts that look normal → Native advertising hides intent — classic propaganda strategy: disguise persuasion as reality.

• Merch worn by celebrities or influencers → Uses association — we connect admiration for a person with the product or idea.

Ads in Disguise

• Takeaway: Propaganda works best when it doesn’t look like propaganda.

Poll

Poll 5: Entertainment & Identity

When a movie or show constantly portrays one group or country as the villain, what do you think that does over time?

• It just reflects fiction — no real impact

• It can shape stereotypes we don’t notice

• It depends on how realistic the story feels

• It makes me question who’s telling the story

Entertainment & Identity

• It just reflects fiction — no real impact → Dismissing influence is part of how propaganda works — by convincing us “it’s just a story.”

• It can shape stereotypes we don’t notice → Repetition builds implicit bias — audiences absorb patterns subconsciously.

• It depends on how realistic the story feels → Perceived realism strengthens persuasive effects.

• It makes me question who’s telling the story → Critical media literacy — recognizing that all stories have narrators and motives.

Entertainment & Identity

• Takeaway: Propaganda often uses entertainment to shape worldviews subtly — through repetition and representation.

Poll

Poll 6: Politics & Persuasion

If a political post says, “We’re fighting for real people like you,” what’s your gut reaction?

• “They get it — they understand people like me.”

• “They’re just saying that to sound relatable.”

• “Depends on who’s saying it.”

• “I usually ignore political posts.”

Politics & Persuasion

• “They get it — they understand people like me.” → Emotional identification — “plain folks” persuasion makes leaders relatable.

• “They’re just saying that to sound relatable.” → Awareness of manipulation — recognizing constructed authenticity.

• “Depends on who’s saying it.” → Source bias — propaganda exploits loyalty and distrust to polarize audiences.

• “I usually ignore political posts.” → Political fatigue can still serve propaganda — disengaged citizens are easier to influence.

Politics & Persuasion

• Takeaway: Propaganda works through emotion, not logic — appealing to belonging, trust, and identity.

Poll

Poll 7: Daily Awareness Check

How often do you think about whether what you see online is trying to persuade you?

• Rarely — I just scroll

• Sometimes — when it feels obvious

• Often — I try to spot bias or agendas

• Constantly — I analyze everything I see

Daily Awareness Check

• Rarely — I just scroll → Passive consumption leaves space for unnoticed influence.

• Sometimes — when it feels obvious → Awareness activates critical thinking — the first defense against propaganda.

• Often — I try to spot bias or agendas → Practicing media literacy regularly limits manipulation.

• Constantly — I analyze everything I see → Over-awareness can cause fatigue, but also builds resilience.

Daily Awareness Check

• Takeaway: Awareness is power — propaganda loses impact when audiences recognize it.

Multiple Choice

What are the origins of propaganda as discussed in the lesson?

• Ancient civilizations

• Modern advertising

• Social media

• Political campaigns

Multiple Select

What are the three main theoretical frameworks discussed in media analysis?

• Behavioral Theories

• Mass Communication Theories

• Influence of Psychology

• Cognitive Theories

Multiple Select

What is the historical context of propaganda and how has it been utilized throughout history?

• To shape public opinion

• To promote specific ideologies

• To influence behavior

• To mobilize populations

Fill in the Blank

What is something we have today that helps spread propaganda that prior generations didn't have?

Multiple Select

What are some common tactics used in propaganda?

• Using selective stories

• Reinforcing reasons and motivations

• Demonizing the enemy

• Using a wide range of experts

Multiple Select

What are the two main categories through which propaganda messages can be disseminated?

• Mass media

• Social media

• Print media

• Television

Multiple Select

What are the different methods through which propaganda can spread?

• Word of mouth

• Educational institutions

• Public events and rallies

• Print materials

Multiple Select

What are the three main ways media influences public opinion as described in the text?

• Media Influence

• Framing and Agenda-Setting

• Public Perception

• Media Control

Multiple Select

What are the three behavioral responses to propaganda as discussed in the image?

• Audience Reception

• Cognitive Dissonance

• Behavioral Change

• Emotional Response

Multiple Choice

What are the ethical implications surrounding propaganda?

• Moral responsibilities of media producers

• Potential harm caused by misleading messaging

• Role of media in informing the public

• Techniques for persuasive messaging

Multiple Select

What are the three contemporary examples of propaganda mentioned in the lesson?

• Social Media Influence

• Political Campaigns

• Advertising

• Public Relations

Multiple Select

What are the three main components of analyzing propaganda techniques as described in the lesson?

• Critical Analysis

• Identifying Techniques

• Impact Assessment

• Emotional Appeal

Poll

When you hear the phrase “based on a true story,” how true do you expect the movie to be?

• Almost completely true

• Partly true, but dramatized

• Just inspired by events

• I don’t expect much truth at all

Multiple Choice

2. Framing the Hero

Who is given the most focus and emotional depth in the film based off this trailer?

• Iraqi civilians

• Journalists

• American soldiers

• Global observers

Poll

3. Emotional Hooks

Which emotion do you think American Sniper uses most to persuade audiences?

• Pride

• Fear

• Sadness

• Admiration

Multiple Choice

4. Omitted Perspectives

Which group’s voices are least represented in the movie?

• U.S. soldiers

• Iraqi civilians

• Military families

• Politicians

Multiple Choice

5. Message Framing

Overall, the movie presents the Iraq War as:

• Unjust and exploitative

• A necessary act of defense

• A neutral event

• A personal tragedy only

Poll

6. Audience Reaction

How do you think an American audience might react differently than an international one?

• Feel national pride

• Feel discomfort

• Feel detached

• Feel inspired

Multiple Choice

7. Big Picture

Which idea best explains why American Sniper can be seen as propaganda?

• It uses unbiased reporting

• It promotes patriotism through emotion

• It rejects all national symbols

• It avoids emotional storytelling

Propaganda: Emotional Appeal

Are there potential consequences or risks associated with using emotional appeal in propaganda, particularly in the context of sensitive or controversial subject matter?

Multiple Choice

What is the role of stereotyping and demonization in propaganda?

• To promote understanding

• To vilify opponents

• To encourage dialogue

• To support marginalized groups

This is one of several propaganda posters produced by Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss). Although Seuss often lampooned Nazi Germany in his work, it is his anti-Japanese pieces which stand out for their racist tone.

​

Seuss dutifully churned out propaganda throughout the war, but came afterwards to re-evaluate his complicity in a hysteria-inducing machine that had ultimately seen thousands of Japanese-Americans interned without charge.

In an interesting twist he wrote one his most famous books, ‘Horton Hears A Who’, in part by way of apology to the Japanese. It was dedicated to a Japanese friend and the story itself is a loose metaphor of American operations in Japan.

Multiple Choice

Stereotyping

How are Japanese Americans portrayed in the cartoon?

• As peaceful citizens

• As potential traitors or spies

• As loyal workers

• As neutral neighbors

Poll

Artist’s Intent

Why might Dr. Seuss have drawn this during WWII?

• To warn the public of invasion

• To encourage internment

• To support national security

• All of the above

Multiple Choice

Propaganda Technique

Which propaganda technique is most visible here?

• Bandwagon

• Testimonial

• Fear appeal

• Glittering generalities

Multiple Choice

Geographic Framing

Why does the cartoon label the U.S. West Coast?

• To show natural beauty

• To suggest danger near home

• To celebrate diversity

• To locate where Seuss lived

Poll

Ethical Reflection

What danger comes from spreading messages like this?

• Reinforces racism

• Justifies government overreach

• Normalizes fear of citizens

• All of the above

Poll

Modern Connection

How might similar propaganda appear today?

• Memes about immigrants

• Posts spreading fear of certain groups

• Celebrity endorsements

• Neutral reporting

Poll

Historical Outcome

How did propaganda like this influence U.S. policy?

• It didn’t

• It caused protests

• It supported Japanese internment

• None of these

Poll

Takeaway

What does this cartoon teach us about propaganda?

• It only existed in the past

• It can appear in humor and art

• It’s always obvious

• It can be subtle but powerful

Multiple Choice

What is the role of simplification and repetition in propaganda?

• To complicate issues

• To create confusion

• To reinforce messages

• To promote silence

Multiple Choice

Simplification

What is the main reason political campaigns use short slogans?

• They’re easier to chant and remember

• They simplify complex issues into one idea

• They sound professional

• They avoid all emotion

Multiple Choice

Which phrase shows emotional appeal through simplification?

• “Economic Policy Reform Act”

• “Yes We Can”

• “Campaign Finance Guidelines”

• “Committee for Progress”

Poll

Slogans as Symbols

What do slogans like “Make America Great Again” or “I’m With Her” really sell?

• A political plan

• A feeling of belonging

• A detailed argument

• None of these

Multiple Choice

Propaganda Link

Which two propaganda techniques best describe campaign slogans?

• Fear appeal and scapegoating

• Simplification and repetition

• Bandwagon and name-calling

• Glittering generalities and testimonial

Poll

Correct answer: B
Explanation: Slogans boil down big issues (simplification) and are repeated constantly (repetition).

• It sounds inspiring

• It sounds manipulative

• It depends on the candidate

• I usually ignore slogans

Open Ended

How might the oversimplification of complex issues or the constant repetition of slogans impact the quality of political discourse and civic engagement?

Multiple Choice

What is the Bandwagon Effect in the context of propaganda?

• A psychological phenomenon where individuals adopt beliefs because they are popular

• A method used to create false consensus

• A strategy to manipulate public opinion

• A technique to promote individualism

Multiple Choice

What is selective exposure in the context of propaganda?

• The tendency to seek out information that contradicts beliefs

• The tendency to avoid information that confirms beliefs

• The tendency to seek out information that confirms beliefs

• The tendency to accept all information equally

Multiple Choice

What is an example of selective exposure and confirmation bias as they relate to propaganda?

• Fahrenheit 9/11

• The Social Dilemma

• Inside Job

• An Inconvenient Truth

Multiple Choice

Why are the same events sometimes reported differently by different news networks?

• Newspapers and networks hold certain political beliefs (biases) that are shown in their reporting.

• Newspapers and networks don't get enough information to report events accurately.

• Some newspapers and networks just want to trick the public into believing things that aren't true.

• Political parties pay newspapers and news networks to make them look good, leading to false reporting.

Multiple Choice

Sometimes the media reports on candidates in a way that favors one candidate over another. This is called:

• registration

• bias

• campaign

• propaganda

Multiple Choice

What is bias in the media?

• Showing two sides of the argument

• News reported in a partial/prejudiced manner

• Only providing facts

Multiple Choice

What is the concept of selective exposure as discussed in the documentary?

• It refers to the tendency to seek out information that contradicts one's beliefs.

• It involves choosing media content that aligns with existing beliefs.

• It is the process of ignoring all media content.

• It is a method of evaluating the credibility of sources.

Multiple Choice

How might individuals with different political ideologies or prior knowledge of the events depicted in "Fahrenheit 9/11" react differently to the film?

• They will all react the same way

• They will react based on their political beliefs

• They will ignore the film

• They will react based on the film's marketing

Multiple Choice

What is the role of authority figures in propaganda?

• To provide entertainment

• To lend legitimacy to the message

• To confuse the audience

• To promote individualism

Poll

How confident do you feel about this topic now?

• Very confident
• Somewhat confident
• Not confident