In the ever-evolving media landscape, the “Manufacturing Consent” theory by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman remains a critical lens through which to view media operations, from global conflicts to state-sponsored online discourse manipulation. This theory is relevant not only in traditional media but also in the complexities of the digital age.
Herman and Chomsky’s “A Propaganda Model” in “Manufacturing Consent” (1988) argues that mass media operates under economic, political, and social influences, serving the interests of dominant elite groups. This model has been extended to digital platforms, which have become crucial in shaping public opinion.
The digital media revolution has changed not only communication channels but also the dynamics of manufacturing consent. An insightful piece from The Conversation (Snowden, 2016) delves into the role of social media platforms in reinforcing pre-existing beliefs and biases. This is especially evident in global conflicts, where mainstream media, including digital outlets, frequently convey skewed views of events, perpetuating dominant narratives.
This contemporary manifestation of ‘Manufacturing Consent’ is exemplified in Rongbin Han’s study (2015) on China’s ‘Fifty-Cent Army’. Han’s research examines how the Chinese government utilises online commentators to influence public opinion subtly. These commentators blend in seamlessly with online discussions and play an essential role in spreading pro-regime narratives. This method is an example of a modern iteration of manufacturing consent in which narrative control extends into the vast internet realm.
The study of China’s “Fifty-Cent Army” (Han, 2015) highlights the global implications of digital media manipulation. This case demonstrates how governments and corporations can subtly influence public opinion in an era when social media platforms have become battlegrounds for ideological and political influence. This phenomenon has spread beyond authoritarian regimes and has become a global issue as various entities employ similar tactics.
In the following video, we’ll learn more about how ‘Manufacturing Consent’ works to shape our perceptions.
Vanessa Otero, a media analyst, delves into the complex and increasingly partisan media landscape in this informative video. Otero discusses her seminal work in developing a comprehensive chart that categorises news sources based on factual reporting and political bias. This video provides an in-depth look at her methodology and the motivations behind her project, as detailed in the article accompanying it. In an era of political polarisation and misinformation, Otero’s insights shed light on the difficulties of navigating media bias and the importance of understanding our news sources.
Applying “Manufacturing Consent” to traditional and digital media demonstrates its enduring relevance. Understanding the dynamics of media influence is critical for critical media literacy, from global conflicts to state-sponsored online discourse manipulation. Recognising these dynamics as media consumers is critical for critically navigating the complex landscape of digital information.
Reference list
Han, R. (2015). Manufacturing Consent in Cyberspace: China’s ‘Fifty-Cent Army’. Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 44 (2), 105–134. Available from https://doi.org/10.1177/186810261504400205.
Herman, E., & Chomsky, N. (1988). ’A Propaganda Model’. In Durham, M.G. & Kellner, D. (2006), Media and Cultural Studies: Key Works, Malden, MA: Blackwell, pp. 257-294.
Snowden, C. (2016). I’m right, you’re wrong, and here’s a link to prove it: how social media shapes public debate. The Conversation. Available from https://theconversation.com/im-right-youre-wrong-and-heres-a-link-to-prove-it-how-social-media-shapes-public-debate-65723.
I couldn’t agree with you more, and the example of “how the Chinese government uses online commentators to skillfully influence public opinion” is also very interesting.
Hailun – This was a very nice read. The layout was very nice and interactive. The videos correlated strongly with the text you had written making your blog more visual. I really enjoyed reading about the media chart developed by Vanessa Otero, as it gives us a visual and honest view of the media landscape. It is extremely hard nowadays to find media that is just factual and not heavily opinion-based. Being aware of these biases is extremely important. With these media charts publicly available, the initiative then shifts back onto the consumer to pick the news they consume, however, I wonder if you believe, much like the passivity of the culture industry the average consumer even cares about these biases enough to change their consumption habits?
Absolutely, it’s a tricky situation. Even with all of the information available on media biases, it all comes down to whether people are willing to step outside of their comfort zones. It’s not just about being aware of our biases, but also about how much effort we’re willing to put forth in order to find diverse points of view. Plus, don’t those algorithms on our feeds just keep showing us what they think we want to see? So changing habits requires more than just being aware—it requires a combination of personal choice and effort.
Hey! your work is great! I like the explanation of the theory you have provided, and the way you’ve included videos is really helpful and complementary to the blog itself. Great work 🙂