Shaping Public Discourse Research Articles

Echoes Through Time: Transforming Climate Litigation Narratives on Future Generations

Abstract Storytelling is essential in climate litigation. The narratives that are told in and around legal cases shape public discourse and our collective imagination regarding the climate crisis. The stories that plaintiffs and their lawyers choose to highlight hold immense power to either reinforce or challenge dominant assumptions and worldviews. This article analyzes how storytelling has been utilized in climate lawsuits, with a particular focus on those that involve future generations. It highlights the need to craft narratives that foreground entanglement and relationality rather than notions of competing interests. We offer recommendations for strategically using storytelling and framing techniques to build public engagement, spur equitable climate action and transform legal systems.

Navigating carbon neutrality pathway beyond energy and economic agents: the influence of media liberty across the OECD countries

Abstract Press freedom is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, playing a critical role in shaping public discourse, fostering transparency, and holding institutions accountable. Furthermore, its impact extends beyond political and social realms to encompass environmental sustainability, particularly in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. While extensive research has been conducted on the economic, social, and institutional factors that influence environmental outcomes, the role of press freedom in shaping ecological footprint remains underexplored. However, this study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between press freedom and ecological footprint across 36 OECD countries from 2013 to 2022. Utilizing a system generalized method of moments (GMM) analysis and controlling for economic growth, trade openness, and energy consumption, this research reveals significant findings. Specifically, it demonstrates that press freedom serves as a catalyst for reducing ecological footprint, presenting OECD countries with a unique opportunity for environmental gains and potentially achieving carbon neutrality. In contrast, we find indicators such as economic growth, energy consumption, and trade openness have negative impact on environmental quality. Overall, this study underscores the importance of promoting press freedom as a key strategy for advancing environmental sustainability and calls for concerted efforts to harness its potential for mitigating ecological footprint in OECD countries and beyond.

Setting the tone: the diffusion of moral and moral-emotional appeals across political and public discourse

Abstract Whether a topic is seen in a moral or moral-emotional light has significant political implications. Yet, we lack knowledge about the process of moralization: Who defines the way topics are communicated about? Where prior research has investigated the relative power of different actors to place a topic on the agenda or shape opinions, we study who sets the moral and moral-emotional tone of debate. To do so, we zoom in on immigration discourse in Germany and analyze fine-grained social media data from politicians, political parties, newspapers, and members of the public over a period of more than four years. After employing a transformer model to identify moral and moral-emotional appeals, we use structural vector autoregression models to demonstrate the important role of radical-right challengers in shaping public discourse in a negative moral-emotional direction. The results inform theories of moralization and political entrepreneurship.

Thematic Construction in the Nigerian Political Cartoons: Newspaper Examples

This article explores the way insurgency and banditry are represented in Nigerian political cartoons. Using content analysis, the article examines how these security threats are constructed as themes in the cartoons. It analyses the key visual metaphors and symbols used to convey these themes, as well as the political messages they convey. A purposive sampling was employed, whereby ten cartoons depictions were selected and analysed using semiotic analysis as the theoretical framework to explore the emergent themes of the depictions.The findings identified five emergent themes, such as, banditry, insecurity and poor policies among others. The findings suggest that political cartoons play a significant role in raising awareness and shaping public discourse on insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.

The Intersection of Documentary Film and Public Discourse: A Case Study of Making a Murderer and O.J.: Made in America

This paper explores the impact of documentaries, particularly Making a Murderer and O.J.: Made in America, on public perception of the U.S. justice system and their role in stimulating discussions on legal reform. By employing the Spiral of Silence theory, the study examines how these documentaries shape public discourse by reinforcing or suppressing different judicial viewpoints, thus influencing public opinion and potential policy changes. Through case studies of Steven Avery and O.J. Simpson, the documentaries highlight systemic flaws, media biases, and the complex interplay between race, celebrity, and justice. The paper also discusses the limitations of the Spiral of Silence theory in the modern media landscape, where social media offers platforms for minority opinions, challenging traditional media s dominance in shaping public opinion.

Ersatz Intelligence

While the uses of generative artificial intelligence (AI) are vast, one capability it lacks is true creativity. This requires originality and surprise, neither of which is possible without the human process. Yet students and others increasingly rely on AI, so it seems likely to shape public discourse as well as everyday life. Social-media groupthink and insular academic communities have already narrowed the range of intellectual discourse. AI stands to exacerbate the trend, filtering out unconventional prose and content in languages and dialects that are not widely spoken. Yet AI companies have limited motivation to enlighten consumers about its shortcomings. As with other sweeping technological innovations, complacency and overreliance on AI appears inevitable absent intervention. Without proper guidelines, AI could distil writing and idea formulation into a few predicted outcomes and extinguish true creative thought.

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Discourse on Government Policies in Nigeria: A Discourse of the Nigerian X (Formerly Twitter) Space

The Role of Social Media in Shaping Public Discourse on Government Policies in Nigeria: A Discourse of the Nigerian X (Formerly Twitter) Space

From Core Business to By-product Why German Media Companies Still Invest in Journalism

The emergence of digital technologies over the past two decades has brought about changes that threaten the very existence of german media companies. The journalistic business model is losing sales, and the decline in print circulations is making it successively difficult to earn money with journalistic products. Therefore, german media companies have been investing in business models that have no relation to journalism to generate growth for years – with success. Considering this development, it is astonishing from a purely economic perspective that media groups, which are increasingly developing into technology companies, are still clinging to the ailing journalistic business model at all. To examine their motives to do so, this study poses the following research question: "Why do media companies still invest in journalistic products today?" To answer it, the researcher conducted interviews with highlevel employees from media companies as part of a qualitative study. Analysis of the data revealed that media companies continue to invest in journalism mainly because they benefit economically from the brands their journalistic products represent. Other reasons like serving as a pillar of the democratic constitution or to help shape public discourse seem to be less important.

Social Media Attention to Geopolitical Conflicts - An Analysis of Weibo Users' Comments on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

In the globalized information age, social media has become a primary channel for news and information dissemination, particularly during geopolitical conflicts. This study investigates public sentiment and discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the Chinese social media platform Weibo. Utilizing content analysis, the researcher conducted sentiment statistics and word frequency analysis on Weibo comments to understand Chinese public attitudes toward this conflict. The research reveals a significant increase in negative emotions from 33.33% in October 2023 to 100% in April 2024, indicating growing public discontent and concern as the conflict intensified. Concurrently, positive emotions sharply declined from 47.62% to 0%, reflecting diminished hopes for a peaceful resolution. Neutral sentiments also fluctuated, initially at 19.05%, dropping to 0% by April 2024. Additionally, the study identifies a shift in keyword usage from "world peace" and "hope" to specific entities like "Israel" and "Hamas," and terms like "disaster." This highlights a change in public and media focus from peace initiatives to the humanitarian impact of the conflict. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for promoting a more inclusive gaming environment, challenging existing gender stereotypes, and fostering social stability. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of Chinese public opinion on international geopolitical issues and underscores the importance of social media in shaping public discourse.

Socio-economic impacts of resource extraction on indigenous populations in Imbolo Mbue's: How beautiful we were

This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of Imbolo Mbue's novel "How Beautiful We Were," employing the novel as a case study to explore the interconnected phenomena of ecological and economic losses affecting the fictional African village of Kosawa. The narrative serves as a poignant lens through which the catastrophic impacts of environmental degradation by external corporate interests, specifically an American oil company, are examined. Drawing on methodologies such as Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and systemic-functional linguistics, the study illuminates how the novel’s language actively shapes perceptions of ecological destruction and social conflict. The analysis is anchored in a detailed examination of the socio-economic repercussions of environmental exploitation on indigenous communities, reflecting broader global issues of environmental injustice where marginalized populations bear the brunt of industrial activities. By integrating narrative analysis with socio-economic and ecological impact assessments, the paper aims to provide a holistic understanding of the compound crises faced by communities on the frontlines of environmental exploitation. This approach not only highlights the devastating effects on health and local economies but also emphasizes the role of literature as a form of resistance and a vehicle for advocating ecological and social justice. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions on sustainable development and advocate for more nuanced and inclusive approaches in literature and policy, reinforcing the critical role of narrative in shaping public discourse and policy on environmental justice.

Discourses of Aging in a Malaysian Online Newspaper: Shaping of the Perceptions of Society

Media representations of aging and older adults is an influential platform for shaping public discourse about aging related matters. Previous research has highlighted that the media’s depictions of older adults are often limited and biased. Such representations significantly influence society’s perceptions of the aging population. With population aging being currently a global social concern, such negative representations raise critical questions about media’s portrayal of aging related matters. Taking on the view that aging is a socially constructed phenomenon, we undertake a Discourse Analysis of 83 online news reports on aging from May 2022 to May 2023, from Malaysia’s high readership online newspaper, The Star. The results unveil several dominant discourses associated with aging, such as discourse of implications, positive aging and negative aging. The study provides valuable insights into the language used and the portrayal of aging populations in newspapers which play a vital role in shaping societal perceptions of aging, which can be either favourable or detrimental for the aging population’s self-worth and dignity. We advocate for more positive portrayals using inclusive language that is crucial for developing a cultural mindset that appreciates and honours the dignity of older members of society.

The Public's Perception of Florence Nightingale's Legacy in the Digital Media: A Critical Discourse Analysis.

This study critically examines the public's perception of Florence Nightingale's legacy through a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of digital media, specifically podcasts and YouTube. Nightingale, who is often remembered as "The Lady with the Lamp", holds a complex identity within modern narratives that is celebrated for her pioneering contributions to nursing and public health, even if there are some disagreements about her, given the colonialist setting that may have shaped some of her opinions and decisions. This research employed CDA to analyze 25 podcasts and 18 YouTube videos, which were systematically included according to a priori inclusion criteria. The study synthesized how these media products portray Nightingale and, by extension, shape public discourse about the nursing profession. The findings reveal five thematic representations of Nightingale: as a legendary figure, a modern feminist, a dedicated statistician, a pioneer in public health, and a pivotal STEM contributor. These portrayals challenge traditional nursing stereotypes by emphasizing Nightingale's role as a rigorous scientist and reformer, suggesting broader perceptions of nurses that encompass leadership, analytical skills, and strategic thinking. The study supports the hypothesis that digital narratives significantly influence the public's understanding and appreciation of nursing, advocating for a more nuanced professional identity that integrates traditional caregiving roles with critical and analytical capabilities.

Netizens’ Discussions on Twitter Concerning Floods and Presidential Candidates

This qualitative study dives into social media debates about flood disasters in Jakarta, using Twitteras the significant inquiry medium. The primary goal is to discover new patterns of online social interactions, shed light on the concept of selective exposure, and rigorously chronicle the activities of critical actors in this digital network. We conducted the data gathering process on May 25, 2023, specifically focusing on the selected phrase "Banjir Jakarta." For a thorough study, NVivo 12 Plus compiled a significant dataset of 3,427 tweets. We divide the research findings into three distinct sections: the volume of conversations, the various categories of influencers involved, the prevailing sentiment and conversational tone of these influencers, and an exploration of the most frequently employed words in these discussions. This study highlights the significant impact of nanoinfluencers in these talks, accounting for the vast majority (93.70%) of participants. Furthermore, it emphasizes the active debate around the most likely presidential candidates for 2024. This speech had two prominent figures, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, who both elicited different tones and sentiments. Within this complex communication landscape, influencers emerge as crucial entities actively shaping public attitude and discourse, spanning news portals and individual social media profiles. Finally, this study highlights the enormous importance of social media, particularly Twitter, in shaping public awareness and driving political conversations, notably in crisis management and future presidential candidates.

Acid Attack Survivors in Popular Culture and the Quest for Human Rights

Abstract Acid attack is a gender-based violence, the historical roots of which can be traced back to Victorian-era Britain and Europe. Over the years, acid emerged as a preferred choice of weapon in several other countries. The victims of acid violence are forced to live a life of suffering due to the resultant emotional and physical scars. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and drawing on examples from literature, movies, and other media, the article will examine the popular culture portrayal of acid attack victims through the lens of Hall’s encoding/decoding model. It examines the ways in which narratives of acid attack victims are depicted and consumed by the public. Moreover, the article highlights the role of the popular media in challenging and perpetuating these narratives and the immense potential it holds to shape public discourse and policy surrounding human rights issues. The article discusses the human rights of the acid attack victims through the lens of Amartya Sen’s capabilities approach. Additionally, the article underscores the need for amplifying the voices and experiences of the acid attack victims in popular culture—thereby advocating for greater awareness, empathy, and activism.

FROM JOKE TO JOURNALISM: THE EVOLUTION OF MEMES IN MASS COMMUNICATION

The emergence of memes as a prevalent form of communication in the digital age has transformed them from simple humor to influential tools shaping public opinion and societal dynamics. This study tracks memes' evolution from fundamental humor to political discourse and social mobilization in mass media. The study uses theoretical frameworks to trace memes' progression from amusing content to a major form of visual communication in the digital age. The study shows that memes have gone from amusing diversions to shaping public opinion. Mass communication relies on memes to influence public opinion, social awareness, and political outcomes. The paper discusses how memes have disrupted journalism and allowed anyone to participate in public debate through satire and critique. The study also examines the ethical issues surrounding memes in mass communication, shedding light on their potential effects. This research sheds light on the significant role memes play in shaping public discourse, influencing beliefs, and engaging diverse audiences in discussions about social and political issues . By exploring the evolution of memes in mass communication, this study highlights their potential to disrupt journalism, spark public debate, and raise ethical considerations.

Media Narratives Beyond the Headlines: A Review on Global Media Coverage of the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit

Global media narratives refer to how international news outlets frame and present stories, shaping public perception and discourse on significant events like the COP15 UN Biodiversity Summit. This includes the themes, tones, and emphases used by different media sources to convey the importance, implications, and outcomes of such global events. This study explores global media coverage and narratives during the COP15 summit in December 2022, aiming to analyze dominant themes presented by international media, identify differences in reporting approaches among major outlets, and evaluate the influence of these narratives on public awareness and policy discourse regarding biodiversity. Using content analysis, the research studies news from various outlets to identify and quantify key themes such as ecological urgency, economic implications, policy negotiations, and scientific discoveries. Comparative analysis highlights variations in coverage focus, tone, and depth, revealing how regional contexts and media ownership influence reporting styles. Findings indicate that while some media outlets prioritize policy negotiations and economic implications, others emphasize ecological urgency and scientific findings, leading to varied public and policy responses. This research underscores the critical role of media in shaping public understanding and influencing policy debates on biodiversity. By providing insights into effective reporting practices, the study aims to enhance the quality of environmental journalism and foster informed public and policy engagement with biodiversity issues, contributing to the broader discourse on environmental communication and the power of media narratives in addressing global environmental challenges.

Television Journalism in Pakistan. Historical Evolution, Challenges, and Prospects

This essay explores the evolution, challenges, and prospects of television journalism in Pakistan, tracing its origins from the first television witnessed in 1955 to the dynamic and competitive landscape of today. The historical context highlights the establishment of the Pakistan Television Corporation (PTV) in 1964 and the significant shift brought about by the liberalization of the media sector in 2002. This liberalization ended the state monopoly and led to the emergence of numerous private channels, which introduced innovative and diverse programing. The study examines the distribution and accessibility of television content, noting the dominance of terrestrial broadcasting by national channels such as PTV Home, PTV News, and ATV. Further, the paper analyzes the role of private channels in shaping public discourse vis-à-vis public opinion formation. It discusses the challenges posed by sensationalism and the prioritization of commercial interests over journalistic integrity and suggests prospects in the current media-saturated society.

UKRAINIAN MEDIA ON HUNGARY'S PRESIDENCY OF THE EU COUNCIL

This article examines the reaction and coverage by Ukrainian media of Hungary's presidency of the Council of the European Union. The aim of the article is to analyze and systematize the approaches of Ukrainian media to covering Hungary's presidency of the EU Council, assess their impact on shaping public opinion in Ukraine on this issue, and explore how the media interpret the potential consequences of the Hungarian presidency for Ukraine's European integration aspirations and its support from the EU in the context of Russian aggression. The relevance of the topic is due to the complex Ukrainian-Hungarian relations and Hungary's ambiguous position on the Russian-Ukrainian war, which causes concern in Ukrainian society and media space. The paper analyzes key aspects of this topic's coverage by leading Ukrainian media, including news portals, analytical publications, and television channels. Special attention is paid to how the media interpret the potential impact of the Hungarian presidency on EU support for Ukraine and Ukraine's European integration process. The study reveals that Ukrainian media demonstrate a balanced but vigilant approach to covering this topic. They carefully analyze statements and actions of the Hungarian government, especially regarding issues related to Ukraine. The media also focus on possible contradictions between the official EU position and Hungary's position on supporting Ukraine. The article also examines how Ukrainian media involve expert assessments for deeper analysis of the situation and its potential consequences. It highlights the media's role in shaping public opinion on this issue and their contribution to understanding complex geopolitical processes. Special attention is paid to how Ukrainian media cover this issue in the context of ongoing Russian aggression, which adds particular urgency to the discussion. It analyzes how media balance between the need for objective coverage and a patriotic position in wartime conditions. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the important role of Ukrainian media in shaping public discourse on international politics and Ukraine's European integration processes. It stresses the need for further development of a critical and analytical approach in media to ensure full and objective information to society about complex international relations and their impact on Ukraine.

Social Media in Shaping Public Opinion Roles and Impact: A Systematic Review

This systematic literature review examines the impact of social media on public opinion and its implications for policy-making. Utilising the PRISMA framework, the study analysed 19 articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases published between 2013-2023. The review identified five main categories of social media platforms discussed; Twitter/X, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp), YouTube, Chinese apps (Sina Weibo, WeChat, QQ), and several unspecified platforms. Key themes emerged across these categories, including the role of social media in knowledge dissemination, creation of filter bubbles and echo chambers, amplification of diverse voices, and spread of misinformation. The findings highlighted social media potential for real-time public opinion monitoring, facilitating engagement between policymakers and citizens, and early identification of emerging issues. However, challenges such as information credibility and algorithmic curation of content were also noted. The review suggests that strategic use of social media can raise awareness and mobilise support for global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals. It emphasises the need for policymakers to understand and leverage social media's influence on public sentiment while addressing associated risks. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of how different social media platforms shape public discourse and influence policy decisions in the digital age. Future research directions are proposed to further explore the complex dynamics between social media, public opinion, and governance in an evolving technological landscape. Keywords: Social media impact, public opinion formation, digital policymaking, online political discourse, civic engagement.

News Censorship and the Practice of Citizen Journalism

This study delves into the relationship between news censorship and citizen journalism within the contemporary media landscape. It scrutinizes how news censorship, encompassing government intervention and self-censorship by media entities, impacts transparency and freedom of expression. In response to these constraints, citizen journalism emerges as a vital alternative platform for information dissemination, especially in authoritarian contexts. However, citizen journalism encounters hurdles such as the absence of formal training and the inherent risks associated with independent reporting. Nonetheless, despite these challenges, citizen journalism serves as a potent counterforce to censorship, empowering individuals to share suppressed information and shape public discourse. Through comprehensive analysis, the study underscores the pivotal role of citizen journalism in circumventing censorship and offering diverse perspectives. Yet, it also brings to light the imperative need for enhanced training and support mechanisms to bolster the quality and credibility of citizen journalism. Ultimately, the study concludes that safeguarding freedom of expression and fostering support for citizen journalism are indispensable for nurturing transparency and democratic discourse. To this end, To this end, the study advocates for comprehensive initiatives aimed at bolstering citizen journalism. These include not only providing ample training resources to equip citizen journalists with the necessary skills and knowledge but also facilitating robust collaboration between them and traditional media outlets. Such collaboration can foster mutual understanding, enhance the exchange of information, and strengthen the overall quality of reporting.