Media Sources Research Articles

Инаковость индивидуального бытия человека в условиях фейковой реальности

The article considers the phenomenon of fake and its influence on the individual existence of a person. In circumstances where public opinion is entirely manipulated, the freedom of thought is constrained. Overwhelmed by the excessive influx of information, an individual gradually loses the capacity to distinguish between what is true and false. Having embraced the ideological slogan “This is completely different” and acknowledged the importance, the acceptability of double standards, opting for a fabricated reality becomes a choice of the lesser evil for an individual. On the one hand, there exists truth, liberty, and accountability, which necessitates considerable effort for a meaningful existence. On the other hand, the devaluation of these values to the level of “one’s own truth,” comfortable conformity, and a reduction in the degree of accountability to the status of “possessing” or “maintaining one’s reputation” enables an individual to seamlessly conform to the prevailing consensus, without stepping out of the comfort zone. The data from domestic and foreign researchers studying this phenomenon are analyzed. Key issues related to the nature of fake, the roles of mass media and new media are identified, the author’s definition of this concept is provided. In the context of this article, a “fake” is interpreted as a means of ideological manipulation, serving as a defining feature of a text regarding its deviation from the truth. The typical psychological traits of an “average” individual, who generates untruths and is open to accepting them as facts, his/her inclination to “avoid information”, attributing truthfulness to what is essentially an opinion, and showing unquestioning faith in diverse experts, enable contemporary information consumers to merge their personal perception of reality with the constructed reality presented by influential media sources. It is concluded that a fake, having various forms of existence, is an ideological tool for manipulating individual and supra-individual consciousness, while individuals find themselves immersed in a new fake reality.

How Political Ideology and Media Shaped Vaccination Intention in the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

As a pharmaceutical intervention, vaccines remain a major public health strategy for mitigating the effects of COVID-19. Yet, vaccine intake has been affected by various cognitive and cultural factors. We examine how a selected set of factors (i.e., knowledge, concern, media, peer influence, and demographics) shaped COVID-19 vaccination intention in the early phase of the pandemic (Fall 2020). Using a survey conducted in three US states (Idaho, Texas, and Vermont) just prior to the rollout of the first vaccines against COVID-19, we find that COVID-19 concern was the primary driver of vaccination intention. Concern was shaped mainly by two factors: political ideology and media sources. Yet, ideology and media were much more important in affecting concern for those who leaned politically conservative, as opposed to those who leaned liberal or remained moderate. The results from our structural equation models affirm that the information politically conservative respondents were receiving reinforced the effects of their ideology, leading to a greater reduction in their concern. We discuss the potential implications of these findings for future pandemic preparedness.

Exploring the effects of information sources on consumers’ purchase intentions for electric vehicles: evidence from China

This study aims to explore the relationship between different electric vehicle (EV) information sources and consumers’ psychological perceptions and purchase intentions for EVs. Based on the survey data from 1,311 respondents in pilot cities, the analysis results show that authority and peer sources are positively associated with economic, psychological, and environmental benefits and negatively correlated with financial, performance, and physical safety risks. Moreover, media sources are positively associated with the psychological and environmental benefits of EVs but negatively related to performance and physical safety risks. Beyond our expectation, media sources lack significant impact on financial risk and economic benefit. Furthermore, financial, performance, and physical safety risks are negatively associated with purchase intention; whereas psychological and economic benefits are positively related to purchase intention. Unfortunately, the relationship between environmental benefit and purchase intention has not been confirmed. Additionally, policy recommendations for the further promotion of EVs are discussed.

Cultural institutions as knowledge-intensive public organisations (KIPOs) and their role: how digitalisation can change them providing sustainable and accessible public services

PurposeThis exploratory research seeks to clarify the role of cultural organisations as knowledge-intensive public organisations (KIPOs) and the trend of digital content creation in museum sectors and national strategies through a country case study. It aims to provide a deeper understanding and analysis of museums' roles as KIPOs, specifically focusing on their digitalisation and digital content development for service delivery. Digital technology utilisation in the museum sector has amplified the significance of digital content, not only because of the increasing use of digital technologies among the public but also because it provides attractive new content to appeal to customers, as well as more efficient knowledge management and knowledge reproduction tools for KIPOs. Thus, this paper analyses digital content creation in the museum sector and policy frameworks to provide insights into the role of museums as KIPOs by utilising digital technologies.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted literature review on six keywords, combination of “cultural institution”, “museum”, “digitalization”, “digital content”, and “ICT” to understand the digitalisation of museums amongst academic papers, then used a case study to figure out the common issues as well as case-specific features of these digital offerings through analysis of the digital platforms of museums. Specifically, we choose the case of South Korea, its national strategies and budget allocations and the museum sectors in the country. Thus, the secondary data analysis was provided by the official channels, such as documents from government agencies, media sources, such as articles from newspapers and magazines and academic works of literature, such as papers in scientific journals.FindingsThis paper reveals the research trend in museums' digitalisation, especially through the case study, how the South Korean government has argued digital content development in museum sectors through their national strategies and budget allocations, and the trend of museums' digital offerings since 2021. This paper thus presents a novel contribution to the field by delving into the research trend in digitalisation and digital content development in the museum sector and analysing the South Korean government's national strategies and budget allocation in this context. The literature review shows that the digitalisation of museums has increased research interest in the last few years in limited areas. South Korea has allocated budgets and policies to encourage digital content creation in museums, and this study identifies an increase in digital content creation in the museum sector.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper chose one-country case study, that of South Korea; thus, there are representative limitations and thus in terms of generalisation of the results. Further research with case studies from other countries and comparative studies are required.Practical implicationsThis study highlights the importance of digitalisation and digital content development in the museum sector through government policies, strategies and financial investment.Social implicationsIt highlights the importance of digitalisation and the introduction of digital contents amongst museums to gain new visitors and change the relationship between the institutions and the customers.Originality/valueIt deals with the digitalisation of museums as KIPOs and it is a new and relevant topic per se. This study enhances the understanding of the museum sector’s digital content development and national policies to support its activities. It provides insights into the utilisation of digital technologies in cultural institutions for digital service delivery in public organisations.

Mixed messages? Exposure to reports about alcohol’s suggested cardiovascular effects and hazardous alcohol use: a cross-sectional study of patients in cardiology care

BackgroundHazardous alcohol use is a leading risk factor for disability and death, yet observational studies have also reported reduced cardiovascular disease mortality among regular, low-level drinkers. Such findings are refuted by more recent research, yet have received significant media coverage. We aimed to explore: (1) how patients with cardiovascular diseases access health information about moderate drinking and cardiovascular health; (2) the perceived messages these sources convey, and (3) associations with own level of alcohol use.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of patients in cardiology services at three hospitals in Sweden. The study outcome was hazardous alcohol use, assessed using the AUDIT-C questionnaire and defined as ≥ 3 in women and ≥ 4 in men. The exposure was accessing information sources suggesting that moderate alcohol consumption can be good for the heart, as opposed to accessing information that alcohol is bad for the heart. Health information sources were described using descriptive statistics. Gender, age and education were adjusted for in multiple logistic regression analyses.ResultsA total of 330 (66.3%) of 498 patients (mean age 70.5 years, 65% males) who had heard that drinking moderately can affect the heart described being exposed to reports that moderate alcohol use can be good for the heart, and 108 (21.7%) met criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Health information sources included newspapers (32.9%), television (29.2%), healthcare staff (13.4%), friends/family (11.8%), social media (8.9%) and websites (3.7%). Participants indicated that most reports (77.9%) conveyed mixed messages about the cardiovascular effects of moderate drinking. Exposure to reports of healthy heart effects, or mixed messages about the cardiovascular effects of alcohol, was associated with increased odds of hazardous alcohol use (OR = 1.67, 95%CI = 1.02–2.74).ConclusionsThis study suggests that many patients in cardiology care access health information about alcohol from media sources, which convey mixed messages about the cardiovascular effects of alcohol. Exposure to reports that moderate drinking has protective cardiovascular effects, or mixed messages about the cardiovascular effects of alcohol, was associated with increased odds of hazardous alcohol use. Findings highlight a need for clear and consistent messages about the health effects of alcohol.

Cultural food practices and sources of nutrition information among pregnant and postpartum migrant women from low- and middle-income countries residing in high income countries: A systematic review.

Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may engage in a range of cultural food practices during pregnancy, including restricting or avoiding foods high in protein and iron, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals. While research has explored the cultural food practices of pregnant women in LMICs, there is less understanding of the continued cultural food practices of women who migrate to high-income countries and then become pregnant. This systematic review explores the existing research on cultural food practices and sources of nutrition information among pregnant and postpartum migrant women from LMICs, residing in high-income countries. A systematic search was conducted in April 2024 across Global Health, CINAHL, and MEDLINE, published in English, with no date restrictions. Eligible studies included those focused on pregnant and postpartum women who had migrated from LMICs to high-income countries. Studies were excluded if they comprised of non-immigrant women or did not involve LMIC participants. Screened were studies for eligibility, data were extracted, and study quality was assessed. In total, 17 studies comprising qualitative (n = 10) and quantitative (n = 7) approaches were included. In 14 studies participants adhered to cultural food practices, wherein certain nutritious foods were restricted during pregnancy or the postpartum period; three studies noted limited adherence due to support, acculturation, and access to traditional foods. Most studies (n = 10) reported traditional "hot" and "cold" food beliefs during pregnancy and postpartum, aiming to maintain humoral balance for maternal and child health and to prevent miscarriage. Nutrition advice was sought from family members, friends, relatives, healthcare providers, and media sources, with a preference for advice from family members in their home countries. There is a need for culturally appropriate nutrition education resources to guide pregnant migrants through healthy and harmful cultural food practices and overall nutrition during this crucial period. (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42023409990).

Netographic narratives of user-generated travelogues on tourist destination image of Thailand.

The image of a tourist destination is considered a vital aspect of international travel experiences, yet research in this area remains limited. Adopting a combination of netography and qualitative research methodology, this study aims to contribute to the scientific knowledge of destination image development in Thailand by analysing online travelogues to evaluate how Chinese tourists interpret the idea of destination image. To achieve this goal, 146,641 words of Chinese internet comments containing the keyword "Thailand" from four major media sources and Chinese bloggers were gathered and analysed using netography methodology. The findings showed that there was a rise in public interest, in public forums, in the destination image of Thailand among Chinese outbound tourists. The study's results may provide important fundamental theoretical insights and inspire further investigation into the issue of destination image construction.

Brain fog in chronic pain: Protocol for a discourse analysis of social media postings.

Brain fog is a phenomenon that is frequently reported by persons with chronic pain. Difficulties with cognition including memory impairments, attentional issues, and cloudiness are commonly described. The current medical literature demonstrates a similar cloudiness: there is no clear taxonomy or nomenclature, no well-validated evaluations and a dearth of effective interventions. To focus our understanding of this complex phenomenon, we will perform a discourse analysis to explore how brain fog is described in public posts on social media. Discursive methodology will generate insights regarding the societal understanding and meanings attributed to brain fog, by sampling perspectives of persons with lived experience, currently underrepresented in the medical literature. It is anticipated that the results of the proposed study will 1) help healthcare professionals better understand the experience of chronic pain-related brain fog and 2) generate hypotheses for future research. To conclude, by incorporating innovative and contemporary methods, this proposed discourse analysis of social media sources will generate nuanced insights, bridging the gap between researchers, health care providers, and persons with lived experience.

Trust in governments, public health institutions, and other information sources as determinants of COVID-19 vaccine uptake behavior in Japan

ObjectivesTrust in governments and public institutions as a determinant of public health outcomes has gained increased attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. Provided historically low confidence in vaccines in Japan, investigating the role of trust in information sources and actual COVID-19 vaccination uptake behavior will be invaluable for future vaccine promotion policymaking. Therefore, the objective of this study was to elucidate the determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and evaluate the relationship between trust in different information sources and COVID-19 vaccination behavior in Japan. MethodsFor this study, we leveraged a longitudinal series of web-based surveys of 19,174 individuals in Japan conducted between 2021 and 2022 which asked questions regarding a wide range of sociodemographic and psychographic characteristics related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Determinant analysis for vaccination (at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine) was conducted via multiple logistic regression, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. ResultsAfter adjustment for sociodemographic determinants of vaccine uptake, aggregate trust in the systems and institutions of vaccine approval (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.30–1.56), and trust in information about the COVID-19 pandemic coming from government sources (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.12–1.44) were found to be consistently powerful predictors of COVID-19 vaccination. Trust in media sources including traditional media (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.36), and the internet (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.66–0.89) had significant and opposing effects. ConclusionsOur findings support the broader hypothesis that trust in governments and public health institutions remains a powerful determinant for COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Japan. We also found that vaccination decision-making is a multifactorial process that includes the synthesis of trust in public institutions and media, and its interaction with psychosocial determinants such as prosociality and health literacy. We hope to apply this study's findings towards future vaccine programs for contagious diseases.

Transferable critical thinking skills of culinary and fashion students in educational practical activities at Vocational Schools

Efforts to continually develop the potential and skills of future teachers are crucial due to the increased demands placed upon them. This study aimed to examine the critical thinking abilities of students engaged in educational practice within vocational high schools, elucidating the challenges they encountered and proposing requisite strategies for surmounting them. Employing a quantitative descriptive approach, this research utilized surveys and focus group discussions (FGDs) as data collection instruments, validated through content validity measures. The study employe ,;d students from the Department of Food and Clothing Education at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, participating in Educational Practices within the Tourism Group Vocational High School, alongside tutor teachers guiding them. Analysis revealed that students exhibited commendable levels of critical thinking, evidenced by their adeptness in identifying information within the school environment, searching for information to analyze prevailing issues, and discerning various problems. Notably, the predominant obstacle impeding critical thinking proficiency was Sociocentrism, with a notable majority (61.64%) identifying unwarranted assumptions stemming from mass media sources (41.10%), and relativism due to deficient literacy skills, leading to closed-mindedness (31.51%).

Is Women's Knowledge About Oral Contraception Affected by Social Media? [ID 2683506

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to investigate a possible association between use of social media for women’s health and individuals’ knowledge regarding oral contraception. METHODS: This IRB-approved, anonymous study surveyed English-speaking, female followers of two of the authors’ (V.Y., R.A.S.) well-known platforms on Instagram and YouTube about their oral contraception knowledge and the sources of that knowledge. The 14-question survey collected demographic information and personal experiences with hormonal contraception. It then asked for agreement on a 5-point Likert scale with factual and nonfactual statements about oral contraceptive pills. The sources of information were compared between high- versus low-scoring participants. RESULTS: Two thousand fifty-four women responded. The majority (72.3%) were 25 years or younger; 57.6% were Caucasian; 67.5% had at least college degrees. Nearly 50% were students; the remainder were employed. Incomes were well distributed. Two-thirds had used oral contraceptives but nearly 80% reported searching online prior to filling a prescription. Most frequently missed questions were related to mood disorders, weight gain, and infertility. Comparing those who had less than or equal to two questions correct (42.3%) versus greater than or equal to five questions correct (11.1%), more of the former (56.6%) acquired information from friends and social media than did the latter (28.1%) (P<.001). CONCLUSION: This survey of young, highly educated, frequent consumers of social media harbored many myths about oral contraceptive use, often originating from friends and social media sources. Recognizing the effect that online influences have on women’s oral contraceptive knowledge may assist providers in their counseling.

Large-scale disruptive activism strengthened environmental attitudes in the United Kingdom

The 2019 London Extinction Rebellion was the first attempt by environmental protesters to create prolonged large-scale disruption in a Western capital city. The effects on public opinion were difficult to predict because protests seen as extreme can reduce support, but protests seen as justified can increase support. We studied longitudinal opinion changes in a nationally representative sample (n = 832) before, during, and after the rebellion, in conjunction with experimental analysis of the causal effects of media reports (n = 1441). The rebellion was longitudinally associated with national increases in environmental concern, and activist media increased dissatisfaction with current government action. Reports from different media sources caused activism intentions and support to move in different directions, contributing to longitudinally increased polarisation in attitudes to activism. The rebellion had minimal effects on belief in whether ordinary people can produce relevant change (based on collective efficacy and support for a Citizens’ Assembly). The rebellion thus apparently succeeded in strengthening general environmental attitudes without polarising them, and probably somewhat grew the pool of engaged activists, but did not lead to major growth in collective mobilisation or improved environmental policy.

Appraisal Attitude Analysis of Aljazeera’s and BBC’s News Entitle: Israeli Attacks on Gaza Schools Issues

This study focuses on the attitude framework to explore differences between two media sources, aiming to determine if they have different perspectives on the same recent issue or share similar opinions. The article was analyzed based on an attitude framework consisting of appreciation, affect, judgment, and amplification based on Eggins & Slade’s theory and Martin & Slade’s theory. The data were analyzed in a qualitative approach. The findings found that that 60 lexical items in Aljazeera and 26 lexical items found in BBC that can be categorized in attitude. As it can be seen from the total of both Aljazeera and BBC, Appreciation has the higher number in attitude with 43% and 50%. The findings show that how news media strategically employ language to shape perceptions and engage audiences, adapting their linguistic strategies to effectively convey attitudes and viewpoints on current affairs.

Economic and social costs of flood disasters in Nigeria: Implications for sustainable national development

Nigeria is susceptible to flood disasters, resulting in significant economic and social costs due to natural and human factors. This paper examines the implications of flood disasters on Nigeria's sustainable national development by identifying drivers, estimating costs, analyzing social dimensions, and discussing policy options. The methodology this paper adopted relied on a range of secondary sources such as government reports, academic studies, and media sources which were analyzed through qualitative methods of content and thematic analysis. The study revealed that flood disasters caused economic losses, including damage to infrastructure, loss of income, and reduced agricultural production, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Effective disaster risk management requires an integrated approach, including investments in flood risk infrastructure, coordination among government levels, and engaging local communities to build disaster reduction capacity. The paper highlights the need for Nigeria to mainstream disaster risk reduction into national development planning for sustainable development.

Navigating online learning for citizenship education through parenthood in the digital era

During the pandemic, learning policies have transformed face-to-face to online-based learning. Technology and information play a crucial role in learning infrastructure, sources of teaching materials, tools, learning facilities, and learning media. The activeness of parents in accompanying children dramatically influences the effectiveness of learning activities, which ultimately contributes to maximum results. This research explored the characteristics of parental assistance and the problems that arose in online learning of Citizenship Education subjects in Jaya Mekar Padalarang Village. The results show that the home learning policy is considered burdensome by parents. Some reasons include difficulty managing time between working and guiding children, lack of adequate communication facilities, difficulty understanding lesson material, and inability to use technological devices. In this context, finding solutions or strategies that can help parents overcome these challenges is important. However, it's crucial to stress that with the right support and training, parents can significantly improve their support for their children's online learning. This effort can increase parents' active participation in supporting their children's online learning and inspire a positive change in the online education landscape.

‘Cheating’ your way to the top: a focus on language in the Australian media’s representation of performance enhancing drugs

Sports media holds significant power in informing societal views on performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) which are routinely depicted through the ideals of morality and expected sporting behaviours. This has provided an emergent focus for research studies. This study aims to identify how the Australian media frames PEDs across a diverse range of media sources through the selection of five print and online media publications. Using media framing, agenda setting and content analysis, the study analyses the language and framing each publication used to report on individuals and countries associated with, linked to, or found to be using, PEDs. Observed writing styles positioned PEDs as moral transgressions which tarnish the ‘spirit of sport’. Such writing revealed the media’s self-imposed responsibility to define acceptable sporting acts for the community. This manuscript critiques the negative impact of the media’s imbalanced debate and calls for a more balanced approaching to reporting.

Changing Health Information on COVID-19 Vaccination in Asia

The informational domain related to COVID-19 reflects the degree of uncertainty and pace of evolution of the pandemic. This places a burden on peoples’ searches for information to guide their choices, importantly including for COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, it is important for health communications that support vaccination campaigns to attenuate vaccine hesitancy to be accessible, including in terms of readability, and adapted to the evolving pandemic. This paper aims to understand internet searches on COVID-19 vaccination, specifically the mix of sources and readability of the sources over a two-year period (2021–2023) in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the Philippines, for search results in English, as English is a main language for each of these locations. The sources accessed through online searches in June 2021 and May 2023 were categorized by type of source and whether they were from one of the focal locations or elsewhere. The readability of information from web-search results was assessed using a set of readability tests (Flesch–Kincaid Reading Ease, Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level, Gunning Fog Index, Coleman–Liau Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Grade level). Over the two-year period there was an increase in government sources and reduction in mass media sources with distinct local patterns. Local government sources increased in Singapore whereas foreign government and multi-lateral organization sources increased in Hong Kong, with the Philippines being an intermediate pattern. In contrast to the changing mix of sources, the readability tests indicate a low proportion of URLs scoring within recommended readability thresholds across locations and types of sources over the two years. Information on COVID-19 vaccine development and deployment is an important part of health communications that includes internet search. The paper contributes to understanding health communications during a pandemic, including mix of local and non-local sources and contingency on local social and health context.

Trouble in Cyprus, Riots in Turkey: Ian Fleming, Propaganda, and "The Great Riot of Istanbul"

This article will analyse British influence campaigns that employed disinformation and propaganda to advance British interests during the Second World War and the early Cold War, with a focus on the role of Ian Fleming. It draws on declassified files at The National Archives in London, primary media sources in English and in Turkish, and secondary published research to help understand the extent to which British objectives were achieved in Turkey and Cyprus by finding common ground with the Turkish government, creating false anti-communist narratives, and turning a blind eye to undemocratic and repressive activity against minorities driven by ethno-nationalist policies of the Turkish Republic. The article will answer the following questions: why did Ian Fleming trivialise a violent pogrom against ethnic-Greeks in Istanbul in 1955 as a spontaneous “riot” (in his Sunday Times report), and as a Soviet plot in From Russia With Love? Did British strategic considerations in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean make them complicit in human rights abuses in Turkey? Did Ian Fleming’s writing help shield the Turkish government from criticism at a time of declining colonial power and ideological Cold War? And finally, how do public perceptions of intelligence that Fleming helped to create serve the interests of modern, authoritarian politics in Turkey?

THE ROLE OF MUSEUMS IN HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS

This study aims to examine the role of museums in the publication of history, particularly in improving the quality of history education in Indonesia. History education museums function as both sources of information and learning media. As sources, they provide comprehensive historical knowledge, while as learning media, they facilitate the learning process through engaging methods, including the use of digital technology. Technologies such as social media, audiovisuals, and websites are utilized to expand the reach of historical publications. This research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, gathering data through literature reviews from various sources, including books, journal articles, and online data. The data were analyzed inductively to derive holistic conclusions. The findings reveal that digital technologies, such as social media and audiovisual platforms, significantly enhance public accessibility and engagement in history learning. Museums adopting participatory approaches, such as interactive exhibitions and co-creation programs, create deeper and more personalized learning experiences for visitors. Thus, museums play a strategic role in publishing history and increasing public understanding of cultural heritage, with technology serving as the main tool to broaden the reach and appeal of history education.

#BecomingYou: Discourses of authenticity, work, and success in South African consumer culture

Authenticity is now being used to describe things as diverse as politicians, wallets and holiday packages, and claims to authenticity have become increasingly marketable. Media sources from magazines to social media blogs are all inundated with a persisting, recurring message: that tapping into the “real you” will be the liberating force allowing you to live a happy and successful life. This paper draws on a social constructionist theoretical framework and discourse analytic method to critically analyse three interconnected discourses of personal authenticity (as success, change and work) explored in 10 marketing campaigns prominent in South African media. The constructions found in these media are important not just as reflections of current subject positions available in a particular context, but also in the (re)construction of these particular identities and the (re)production of particular social systems. More specifically, in this case, by closely tying authenticity to notions of success, work and change, these discourses produce “good neoliberal subjects”- ambitious, self-regulated, proactive and productive citizens committed to personal progress and contributing to a “functioning” society. In other words, through these discourses, individuals’ personal aspirations (e.g. self-improvement or happiness) become inextricably linked with capitalist modes of being (work and consumption).