The Role of New Media in the Public Cognition: Take the Weibo Platform as an Example

Abstract

With the rapid development of new media, especially the rise of Weibo platforms, its influence on public cognition has become more and more significant. Taking the Weibo platform as an example, this paper deeply discusses the role of new media in public cognition. First of all, by introducing the basic characteristics and functions of the Weibo platform, it also expounds its unique advantages in information transmission. Secondly, the paper analyzes the satisfaction degree of the Weibo platform's demand for obtaining knowledge and information, including information diversity, convenience, and interactivity. However, there are also some problems with the role of new media in public cognition, such as rumor dissemination, information overload, and information distortion. This paper presents solutions and suggestions for these problems. The government and relevant departments should strengthen information monitoring and screening, and reduce the spread of rumors by providing reliable information sources. New media platforms need to take effective measures to improve the credibility of information, such as establishing clear norms and mechanisms for news publication and strengthening the verification of news authenticity. It is also crucial for Weibo platforms to provide valuable and influential content. Platforms should encourage the production and dissemination of quality content while reducing the interference of spam and low-quality content. Finally, improving the public's media literacy is also the key. Through education and training, strengthen the public's ability to judge and distinguish between media information, in order to better cope with information overload and information distortion.