MCOM 4003 - Steelee Harper

In the age of digital connectivity, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we communicate, interact, and perceive the world around us. While social media offers numerous benefits, its impact on mental health has come under scrutiny in recent years. The multifaceted relationship between social media usage and mental well-being has both the positive and negative effects it can have on individuals. Social media platforms provide avenues for social support, fostering connections with friends, family, and like-minded individuals. These online communities offer a sense of belonging and validation, particularly for marginalized groups or those experiencing social isolation. Social media can serve as a platform for self-expression and creativity, empowering individuals to share their stories and perspectives with a global audience. In this way, social media can enhance self-esteem and facilitate personal growth. Despite its benefits, social media can also hav...

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) stands as a cornerstone of transparency and accountability in democratic societies. Trying to promote openness in government, FOIA grants individuals the right to access information held by public authorities, ensuring that citizens are informed participants in the democratic process. Since its inception, FOIA has played a crucial role in holding governments accountable, facilitating investigative journalism, and empowering citizens to exercise their right to know. FOIA, first enacted in the United States in 1966, was a response to the need for greater government transparency and accountability in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal . It established the principle that citizens have the right to access government records, subject to certain exemptions for national security, personal privacy, and other legitimate concerns. FOIA mandates government agencies to disclose requested information promptly and proactively, fostering a culture of openness...

Today, global media is powerful. It shapes what people think, influences rules, and connects cultures. But with this power comes a big responsibility, to be fair and respectful in how information is shared. Laws and ethics in global media are super important. They guide people who work in media and help them do the right thing. One big challenge in global media ethics is that different places have different cultures, rules, and politics . What's okay to do in one country might not be okay in another. So, it's important to understand and respect the different ways people see things around the world. New technology has made it easier to connect with each other. But it's also brought new problems. There's a lot of fake news and wrong information out there. This hurts the trust people have in the news. To fight this, media folks need to be honest, and fair, and take responsibility for what they share. Freedom of speech is a big deal in global media. It means people can say ...