Introduction

In the era of information explosion, how media influences public opinion has become an important topic. The “Manufacturing Consent” theory proposed by Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman provides us with an in-depth analytical framework. This blog will explore the core viewpoints of this theory, its application in modern society, as well as criticism and reflection on it.

Theoretical Overview

Author and Background

Noam Chomsky and Edward S. Herman proposed this theory in their book “Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media”. Chomsky is a renowned linguist and political activist, while Herman is an economist and media researcher. Their collaborative achievements provide us with an important perspective for understanding the relationship between media and public opinion.

Core viewpoint
The ‘Manufacturing Consent’ theory suggests that the media shapes public opinion and consensus through a series of ‘filters’. These filters include:
-Scale and ownership: Large media companies control the flow of information.
-Advertising revenue: Media relies on advertising revenue, resulting in their content being biased towards the interests of advertisers.
-Source: The media relies on official sources, which limits the diversity of information.
-Anti Republican and Counter Terrorism: The media tends to support the positions of governments and businesses, especially when it comes to national security and counter-terrorism issues.
-Vulgarization: The media tends to report vulgar and entertaining content in order to attract more viewers.

Case analysis and technical impact on ‘manufacturing consent’

case analysis

Including Instagram’s “Explore” feature, which recommends content based on users’ interests and interaction history. For example, I often follow Rihanna’s makeup brand Fenty Beauty on Instagram, which recommends posts from different makeup brands to me, influencing my fashion views and purchasing behavior.

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Technological impact

Artificial Intelligence: The application of artificial intelligence technology in content recommendation and generation further enhances the ability of media manufacturing to agree. For example, AI can accurately push content based on users’ browsing history and social behavior, thereby influencing users’ cognition and behavior.

Big data analysis: Big data analysis technology enables media to more accurately understand users’ interests and behaviors, thereby enabling more targeted content push and advertising placement.

Criticism and Reflection

Critical viewpoint
Chomsky and Hermann’s theory provides us with a framework to help us understand how media influences public opinion. However, firstly, this theory also has limitations. For example, with the development of the Internet, the way of information transmission has changed dramatically. Is the filter of traditional media still applicable? Furthermore, has the rise of social media changed the way the public obtains and disseminates information? These issues require further exploration. Secondly, it is overly simplified. Some people believe that the “Manufacturing Consent” theory oversimplifies the role of media and ignores the critical thinking ability of the public.
Thirdly, neglecting diversity. This theory may overlook the diversity of media environments, as there are significant differences in media environments across different countries and regions.

Reflection and Suggestions
-Improving media literacy: The public should enhance their ability to discern information, learn critical thinking, and avoid being influenced by a single viewpoint.
-Promote transparency: Media should increase transparency, publicly disclose their content recommendation algorithms and data usage, and accept public supervision.
-Diversified reporting: Media should provide diversified reporting to avoid the spread of a single ideology and promote comprehensive public awareness.

conclusion

The ‘Manufacturing Consent’ theory provides an important framework for us to understand the relationship between media and public opinion. In modern society, the media has further enhanced its ability to generate consent through technological means. However, we should also recognize the limitations of this theory and take measures to improve public media literacy and promote a more transparent and diverse media environment.

reference

• Chomsky, N., & Herman, E. S. (1988). Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media. Pantheon Books.
• Bennett, W. L., & Iyengar, S. (2008). A New Era of Minimal Effects? The Changing Foundations of Political Communication. Journal of Communication, 58(4), 707-731.
• Pariser, E. (2011). The Filter Bubble: What the Internet Is Hiding from You. Penguin Press.